Sacramento – Assemblymember Philip Y. Ting (D – District 19) was joined by more than 50 college students at a rally Tuesday in support of Ting's legislation, Assembly Bill 1364 (AB 1364), that will increase financial aid for students who qualify for state assistance.
The legislation will give low-income students a better chance of obtaining a college degree by increasing the amount of aid they receive under Cal Grant B stipends. The stipend pays for expenses including textbooks, class supplies and transportation. AB 1364 would increase the Cal Grant B stipend to $5900 – the level it would be if it had been adjusted for inflation since its inception in 1969. The current Cal Grant B level is only $1473.
"Unfortunately, today's Cal Grant B does not even cover the cost of a student's textbooks. This is not right. We need to increase this aid so that students have a fighting chance of making it through to getting their degree, and living the California Dream," Ting said.
"As a student at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), it has been a challenge to balance academics, work, and extracurricular activities. An increase in Cal Grant funds is very necessary and will undoubtedly make a significant impact in helping students get an education," said Melanie Ortañez, Vice President of Communications, Associated Students Council of CCSF, Ocean Campus.
In 2012, Cal Grant B stipends were cut by 5% due to the state budget deficit. AB 1364 would restore the cut and tie the stipend to the Consumer Price Index so that it will increase commensurate with the cost-of-living in future years.
AB1364 passed the Assembly Higher Education Committee today.