Speaker Pérez and Assembly Democrats unveil plan to cut college fees for middle class Californians.
Concord, CA – Assembly Speaker John Pérez (D-Los Angeles) introduced legislation today that would bring in approximately $1 billion in new revenue though a fix in the single sales factor formula, closing the loophole for out of state corporations. The revenue would be put back in the pockets of middle class families by providing the “Middle Class Scholarship” that cuts student fees by 2/3 for CSU and UC students for families earning less than $150,000, and by making community colleges more affordable.
Since 2003, CSU fees have increased 191%, UC fees have increased by 145%, and community college student fees have also increased significantly. Many middle income families turn to increased use of student loans to cover the thousands of dollars in fee hikes. At the same time, large out-of-state corporations continue to benefit from a tax loophole that takes $1 billion out of California every year.
“With almost annual fee increases, higher education has become out of reach for so many middle and low income Californians,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla. “I am fully supportive of this proposal because it restores access to education for thousands of students who otherwise would be faced with either a lifetime of debt or the choice not to attend college.”
The Speaker’s proposal would dramatically reduce fees for UC, CSU and Community College students. UC students would see their tuition reduced from nearly $12,200 to just over $4,000 per year. CSU students would have their fees reduced from nearly $6,000 to $1,970 per year. Community Colleges will be provided $150 million per year to make local decisions to make college more affordable.
“As Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, I have seen the devastating impacts of continuous cuts to higher education,” said Bonilla. “It is time for us to stop talking about our commitment to higher education for our students, and take action to reaffirm our vision of educational opportunity for all Californians.”
This bill is considered a tax increase and must be passed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the Legislature.
CONTACT: Luis Quinonez, 925.681.9310
