Sen. Dodd: Cash for College + Virtual Town Hall + A.I. Bill

January 2024 District Report

 

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd

 

Dear Neighbor,

I hope your new year is off to a great start. This month I’ve begun introducing new bills, including my AI Accountability Act, which would help create safeguards around the use of artificial intelligence. More bills are in the works to address critical issues such as education, public safety and wildfire preparedness.  

Also, Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced his draft budget, which invests in essential services such as education, wildfire safety and affordable housing. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to refine this plan as the year progresses. 

Reminder: My virtual next town hall is Tuesday, Jan. 30. Please join me as I talk to my guests, U.S. Sen. Laphonza Butler and Congressman John Garamendi, about state and federal priorities in the year ahead.


In this Issue:


As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.

Sincerely,

alt_text
Senator Bill Dodd, 3rd District

 

Paying for College — Grants Available

The application period for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required to access most financial aid, is now open.  Paying for college can be difficult, but California has always been a leader in providing eligible students with an affordable college education.

The Cal Grant is a need-based state financial aid program that has been a big part of making college affordable for many California families. Qualified students can receive up to $12,630 in funding to attend almost any college in California – awards vary depending on economic need, grades and the college you attend.

Don't delay! The deadline to apply is March 2. For more information or to file your application, visit the California Student Aid Commission. 

Undocumented students meeting certain criteria can apply for student aid through the California Dream Act program.

Additionally, we passed AB 19 last year, creating the California Community College Promise Program to provide tuition-free education at a Community College for one academic year for all first-time, full-time students. To learn more, click here.

Back to top

Overview of Governor's Proposed Budget

This month Gov. Gavin Newsom released his 2024-25 budget, which invests heavily in essential services such as public schools and wildfire prevention while committing significant resources to affordable housing production, economic development and public safety.

The $291.5 billion budget includes a $37.8 billion shortfall caused by anticipated revenue declines. However, because of careful budgeting in previous cycles, it will include no service cuts and no new taxes. 

The governor proposes a combination of borrowing from reserves, funding reductions and deferrals to close the budget gap. Highlights of the 2024-25 budget include:

  • $18.4 billion in total reserves
  • $109.1 billion for TK-16 and higher education: includes a total $23,519 per-pupil investment.
  • $13.3 billion for learning recovery and loss mitigation
  • $1.8 billion ongoing for universal transitional kindergarten
  • $15.3 billion over four years in homelessness reduction programs 
  • $2.1 billion in higher education student housing
  • $58 billion on climate protection initiatives
  • $2.7 billion ongoing in wildfire prevention and forest resilience including vegetation management, fuel breaks and the addition of seven, new C-130 firefighting aircraft
  • $7.3 billion in water supply improvements and drought management
  • $4.2 billion in small business grants and tax credits
  • $29.6 million to Delta flood risk reduction
  • $4 billion continuing in affordable housing development 
  • $1.1 billion in public safety including additional investments in retail theft prosecution and opioid and fentanyl abuse reduction 
  • It also makes investments in the district, such as the Glen Ellen Cal Fire station and Yolo Bypass Flood improvements.

Back to top

 

In the News

While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done. Here is some of the latest news coverage that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation. 

Back to top