SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The California Student Aid Commission commends Governor Newsom and his Administration for a strong budget that invests in higher education access, affordability, and success. “Reflecting our role as statewide leaders on college affordability and advocates for students, we are pleased to lead a working group on student loan debt issues, including the critical need to perform outreach about financial aid grants and loan options,” said Catalina Cifuentes, Chair of the Commission.
“We are further pleased to see the Governor’s proposal to invest in the establishment and maintenance of food pantries at California Community Colleges; recent data from the Commission’s Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS) reflects the sober reality that low food security is one of the top barriers to student success.”
The California Student Aid Commission is the principal state agency responsible for administering $2.7 billion in state financial aid programs. The Commission is a partner in financial aid policy analysis and leadership, with California’s colleges, universities, financial institutions, financial aid associations, the California Legislature, and the Governor’s Office.
“We look forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature in the coming weeks and months on a comprehensive modernization of our state financial aid system that reflects the reality of today’s student experience and makes the dream of pursuing a higher education a reality for all California students,” added Marlene Garcia, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission. “Today’s students require financial support to cover living expenses and the cost of attendance. To achieve California’s goal of developing its career-ready workforce of tomorrow, there is still more work that needs to be done. Governor Newsom’s 2020-21 State Budget proposal moves us closer to achieving that goal.”
For more information please contact Patti Colston at 916-464-8919.
