SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On June 4, 2020, the California Assembly and Senate reached an agreement on the 2020 - 21 budget. The Student Senate for California Community Colleges is pleased that the Legislature provided $75 million to fund students' basic needs, specifically mental health, housing, food insecurities, and investments to reduce the damage the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to our system. While we are appreciative of this investment into the wellbeing and safety of the most diverse system of higher education in California, we hope that this is the first of many investments the Legislature provides to fund the economic engine of California--the California community colleges.
“Our students are the least resourced, the most impacted by COVID-19, and share the greatest burden in the economic crisis. As this budget becomes law, it is essential that these realities are reflected in its text and that this vital support for California community college students is expanded not reduced. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor’s Office, Legislative leaders, and other stakeholders on the final budget,” Vice President of Legislative Affairs El Moznine.
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 115 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. The Student Senate for California Community College works to promote and safeguard access for current and future students to California public higher education in accordance with the Master Plan for Higher Education through system participatory governance, legislative and policy advocacy, and regional support and development and is the official voice of California community college students statewide.
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