Statement on 2020-21 California State Budget
“Thanks to the work of Governor Gavin Newsom and Legislative leaders, the 2020-21 California state budget signed today avoids what could have been even more painful cuts to higher education, at least for now. We commend the Governor and Legislature for protecting the state Cal Grant program, which helps 400,000 low- and middle- income Californians earn the credentials they and our economic recovery need, and for ensuring undocumented students have access to emergency financial support.
“California’s public colleges and universities are the economic engines that will position the state to rebuild and recover from the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the financial aid that supports lower income Californians’ ability to succeed in it is needed now more than ever. Yet California’s colleges and universities remain in danger. Without more federal relief, budget cuts will devastate colleges across the board – in access, affordability, quality, and completion – exacerbating equity gaps by race and income for years to come.
“As state leaders look to Washington for help avoiding deeper budget cuts, we urge them to quickly adopt additional, low-cost measures that will help protect financial aid access for students most affected by COVID-19, such as those who needed to withdraw from courses or have had their grades impacted by the crisis. Doing so will ensure California’s most vulnerable students have the supports they need to weather the storm and emerge with a degree that will position them, their families, and the state for success. We stand ready to work together with Governor Newsom and the Legislature to take these critical steps to protect the financial aid upon which so many under-resourced Californians rely.”
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The Institute for College Access & Success is a trusted source of research, design, and advocacy for student-centered public policies that promote affordability, accountability, and equity in higher education. For more information see www.ticas.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
