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In response to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s release of his proposed state budget today, Emmanuel “Manny” Rodriguez, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for California at The Institute for College Access & Success (TICAS), issued the following statement:
“The Governor’s proposed FY 2025-26 State Budget offers an improved fiscal outlook over FY 24-25, with the state out of a deficit and better positioned to make the critical and urgent investments needed to protect California’s college students and borrowers from the challenges that will come with anticipated changes at the federal level.”
“We applaud the Governor’s continued commitment to his Master Plan for Career Education, which establishes a state planning and coordinating body to better align California’s workforce development goals with its educational priorities. Together, these investments can work with current and future support systems to reduce racial and economic inequities and provide stronger support for California’s future workforce. To achieve these goals, California must create a statewide college affordability pledge that ensures every prospective student has the financial resources to advance their education and workforce goals via an undergraduate credential or degree without taking on burdensome debt.”
“Additionally, we commend the Governor’s ongoing support for the California College Guidance Initiative. In combination with the Cradle to Career Data System, we hope these initiatives and tools can better support students to bridge the TK-12, postsecondary, and workforce spaces and increase transparency, access, and affordability for all students.”
“However, the proposed budget lacks other key investments needed to protect students from the likely effects of federal policy change. To this end, the Governor and Legislature must work together to reverse enrollment declines stemming from federal FAFSA challenges by extending the March 2nd financial aid deadline and investing in a statewide FAFSA completion campaign and targeted regional outreach.”
“Also urgent is the need to leverage state aid programs, such as Cal Grants or the Middle Class Scholarship, to cover gaps in financial aid for low-income students from mixed-status families who may need to leave federal aid they are entitled to on the table. To avoid this outcome, state policymakers should protect impacted students by backfilling as much aid as possible to keep educational pathways clear.”
“California also has an opportunity to lead the nation in protecting students and taxpayers from predatory, low-quality institutions that result in high debt and low-earning careers. This requires ensuring the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) has an effective budget framework to regulate private colleges effectively and safeguard students. With adequate resources, a stronger and more effective BPPE will be able to shield Californians from anticipated federal regulatory changes that will leave students more vulnerable than ever to predatory, low-quality colleges.”
“We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure California’s budget reflects its values of equity, opportunity, and inclusion in this unprecedented time. As the budget continues to evolve, we look forward to a return to paused policy conversations around further strengthening the Cal Grant and reducing college costs for Californians.”
