Free College Bill Moves to Assembly Floor for a Vote

(Sacramento) – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer’s (D-South Los Angeles) Assembly Bill (AB) 295, has passed through the Assembly’s Appropriations Committee and now heads to the Assembly Floor for a full vote.

AB 295 would create a pilot program to provide free college to California students. The bill was approved earlier in January by the Assembly Higher Education Committee with a 9-1 vote.

“It is one thing to encourage students to obtain a higher education – it is an entirely different thing to create a pathway to higher learning for every student,“ said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “We should be working on removing obstacles for our students. Affordability has hindered many in our communities from attending and student debt has paralyzed many from realizing their true potential in our society. This bill will help change the landscape for those seeking to attend colleges and universities.”

Over 45 years ago, higher education in California was a priority and an issue the public viewed as a public good. In an effort to ensure the least amount of barriers to a more educated society, the state did not charge students tuition. Yet, we have moved in an entirely different direction. California State University tuition and fees have risen 1360%, while University of California tuition and fees have climbed 555% since 1979. Additionally, costs of attendance, such as food and housing, have risen 40% since 1979, further adding to the financial stress of students.

AB 295 convenes a working group of higher education experts, including administration, faculty, staff, and students, to develop a pilot program that will provide cost-free college to California residents. In carrying out their work, this working group can focus on coordinating with participating campuses, identifying underserved students that would benefit from the program, and creating a model that will work in tandem with existing financial aid programs, such as the Cal Grant.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer represents South Los Angeles, Florence-Firestone, Walnut Park, and a portion of Huntington Park. For more information about Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer, Sr., please visit https://a57.asmdc.org/