Fight for Summer Cal Grant Gains Momentum in California State Senate

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Senator Richard D. Roth’s Senate Bill 461 received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Senate Education Committee. Offering college students financial flexibility, SB 461 expands the Cal Grant program, allowing students to receive an additional Summer Cal Grant award.

California is facing a college graduate deficit. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, if current trends persist, our state will be short more than 1 million college graduates by 2030. California will not be able to meet future workforce and economic demands due, in part, to college students’ inability to graduate within a 4-year timeframe.

A large impediment to increased graduation rates is the lack of financial aid available during summer sessions.

“Our college students are hardworking, determined individuals who are the backbone of our state and the future of our California Dream. However, our students can’t be a part of that California Dream if they can’t get across the finish line,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “SB 461 gives students the flexible financial aid they need to get across that finish line and complete their degree on time.”

“I am very grateful that the senators in this committee voted yes on SB 461. This victory brings us one step closer to having a Summer Cal Grant,” said Veronica Eseka, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Coalition for a Better UC. “We must continue to raise awareness on this crucial Cal Grant extension campaign. I would like to offer a huge thank you to Senator Roth for his commitment to higher education by authoring a bill that invests in students!”

“Reforming financial aid is necessary to support California's low-income students, in which Summer Cal Grant plays an integral role,” said Mia Kagianas, President of the California State Student Association. “We are very appreciative of both the committee and Senator Roth’s efforts on this issue.”

Senator Roth continued: “California’s college students have said it loud and clear: they would take advantage of summer session courses if there was sufficient aid to help offset higher tuition and fees. I am honored to help fight for them to ensure our state has the workforce we need to meet California’s economic demands.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.