AB1501 (2012) did not pass out of the Legislature. The principles noted in this resolution will be used to inform future legislative measures and positions.
Whereas, Expenses for California community college students have risen dramatically in the past few years and the Middle Class Scholarship Act (AB 1501, Perez, as of February 9, 2012) would bring much needed relief for families with annual incomes of less than $150,000 that are struggling to meet the burdens associated with the rising costs of higher education and who often do not qualify for financial aid;
Whereas, The Middle Class Scholarship Act would increase the affordability of California community colleges by allocating $150 million annually to California community colleges “for the provision of grants to students to reduce the impact of enrollment fees on, or to help cover the cost of textbooks and other educational expenses”;
Whereas, California community college students who transfer to California State Universities and the University of California would additionally benefit by receiving “a scholarship grant in an amount that, combined with other financial aid received by an eligible student, is at least two-thirds of the amount charged that student in that academic year for mandatory system wide fees;” and
Whereas, The source of funding for the Middle Class Scholarship Act (revenues associated with a proposed change in the corporate tax formula) is money currently not included in the state’s budget and therefore is not available for any other purpose;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges join the Student Senate for California Community Colleges, the California State University Student Association, the University of California Student Association, and the Chief Executive Officers of California Community Colleges in support of the Middle Class Scholarship Act (AB 1501, Perez, as of February 9, 2012).
MSC Disposition: SSCCC, CSUSA, CCLC, and Local Senates