“The California Dream should be available to every Californian, not just a privileged few. This year’s budget presents the best opportunity in decades to move our state closer to that important goal.”
Four days into his term, Governor Gavin Newsom released his 2019-20 proposed budget. With another year of economic growth, this budget is focused on investing in strategies that make the California Dream, or the idea that everyone has the opportunity to achieve a better life, accessible to all Californians. Below are several highlights from Governor Newsom’s proposed budget.
Longitudinal Data System
The Budget proposes $10 million for the planning and development of a longitudinal education data system. This system will include early education, K-12, higher education, workforce, and health and human services. A portion of the funding will be used for system planning, while the bulk will be dedicated to the initial stages of system development. More detail will be released in the trailer bill legislation.
Increased Supports for Adult Students
The Budget proposes an additional $121.6 million for Cal Grant A, B and C recipients attending the California community colleges, CSU, and UC who are parents of dependent children. The intent of the increased access awards is to assist student-parents in meeting their families’ basic needs and making their degree completion more likely. In addition, the Budget proposes increasing the number of available Competitive Cal Grant Awards from 25,750 to 30,000. These awards are typically utilized by older students and serve as an important tool to accessing higher education.
Investments in Training and Workforce Programs
The Budget proposes:
• $27 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund for job training and apprenticeship opportunities focused on disadvantaged communities. The intent of these programs is to provide workers with the skills necessary for career pathways, specifically in climate change and new technology fields. This will be done though new and continued partnerships between labor, industry, and community partners and administered by the California Workforce Development Board.
• $50 million to increase training opportunities for mental health workforce programs, administered by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, to increase the number of providers focused on quality mental health care.
• $15 million for expanded degree completion and certificate courses offered through UC extension centers. This program is intended to better support adults with some college credit, and no degree.