HACU Statement on California Governor Newsom's 2019-20 Budget Proposal 

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities President and CEO Antonio R. Flores issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s proposed 2019-2020 State Budget:

“HACU applauds Governor Newsom’s support of the Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) and the expansion of the Cal Grant program as part of higher education investments in its 2019-20 Budget Proposal.”

The higher education funds proposed would extend the California College Promise to a second year of tuition-free college for first-time, full-time students at California Community Colleges (CCC); expand the Cal Grant program to include a new grant for student parents, increase the number of competitive Cal Grants; and support increased enrollment, improved time to degree and a tuition freeze.  The Governor’s proposal would continue the SCFF but adjusts the implementation provisions, pending further data analysis. Specifically, funding rates for 2019-20 would instead reflect the 2018-19 rates plus a cost of living adjustment (the funding rates for 2020-21 and beyond would remain unchanged from current law.)

“HACU is pleased to see the funding allocation for the Student Centered Funding Formula.” The SCFF, implemented in 2018, provides additional funds for supporting Pell Grant recipients, California College Promise Grant recipients, and AB 540 students.

“These investments are much needed to increase higher education accessibility for students. Still more needs to be done to aid students’ basic needs across all systems and address the full cost of attending college as four out of ten CSU and UC college students experience food insecurity.”   

The Budget reflects ongoing support for undocumented students at University of California, California State University, and California Community College. This funding is crucial to continue the advancement of Latino higher education.

“HACU is looking forward to working with Governor Newsom and the Legislature to continue building on the momentum California has garnered in higher education.”

ABOUT HACU:

HACU, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington D.C., and Sacramento, California. Information is available at www.hacu.net.