Assembly approves legislation to give students a better opportunity to learn
(Sacramento) – Legislation authored by Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) to provide students improved access to higher education passed the Assembly Floor this week.
“In California, we are extremely proud of our world renowned institutions for higher education,” states Gipson. “However, that does not mean we can turn a blind eye to the challenges, and ignore the necessary changes we must make to ensure we are providing students the best possible learning experience.”
Assembly Bill (AB 25) would help students by allowing schools that have become disqualified from offering Cal Grants to seek an appeal. AB 25 is sponsored by Charles R. Drew University, which was excluded from offering their eligible students these grants by failing to meet the current narrow standard.
“Right now, too many hard working students are being denied the assistance they earned through good academic standing,” states Gipson. “AB 25 will allow our education system the flexibility to reconsider helping these students, and their schools, case by case.”
Additionally, AB 986 would help chart a course to restore local control to Compton Community College. For the last 11 years, Compton Community College has been under state appointed control following fiscal downfall in 2004. Despite marked improvements, the college has not regained its authority. AB 986 would require certain benchmarks be met towards reestablishing local control.
“As a former Councilmember for the City of Carson for nearly 10 years, I believe in local control and support the return of governing authority back into the hands of the newly elected board of Compton Community College that was approved by the voters of our community,” states Gipson.
Both bills will now head to the Senate for further consideration. For additional information, please visit – http://asmdc.org/members/a64/legislation/2015-2016.
Mike Gipson represents the 64th Assembly District. The district includes the cities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.