SACRAMENTO - AB 1501, a bill introduced by Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) that establishes the Middle Class Scholarship, was passed with a two-thirds, bipartisan vote today  in the California Assembly. Under AB 1501, UC and CSU fees will be slashed by two-thirds for families who make under $150,000 but too much to qualify for financial aid and will provide $150 million to community colleges. AB 1501 received 55 votes in the Assembly, including four Republican Members of the Assembly.

“The Middle Class Scholarship seeks to restore opportunities for California's middle class families by reducing student fees by two-thirds for students at the UC and CSU, as well as providing critical relief to community colleges throughout California,” said Speaker Pérez. “College fees have risen dramatically over the past decade, to the point where many students simply cannot afford the cost of higher education. If we are to restore prosperity and opportunity for every Californian, we need to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable, and that's exactly what the Middle Class Scholarship Act aims to do.”

The Middle Class Scholarship Act plans to combat the historically high fee hikes imposed at California universities-CSU fees have increased 191%, UC fees have increased by 145%, and community college fees have also increased significantly.

Under AB 1501, CSU students will save $4,000 per year or $16,000 over a four-year period, UC students will save about $8,200 per year or nearly $33,000 over a four-year period, and Community College students will see their costs reduced significantly as well.

AB 1501 is one of two pieces of legislation that make up the Middle Class Scholarship Act. AB 1500, a plan to close the Single Sales Factor loophole benefitting out-of-state corporations, is expected to provide over $1 billion to fund AB 1501.

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408