The bill is sponsored by the Los Angeles Community College District. (photo courtesy of Assembly Member Miguel Santiago)

Assembly Assistant Majority Leader Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) and community partners held a press conference on Feb. 22 announcing new legislation – the tuition-free bachelor’s degree.

Sponsored by the Los Angeles Community College District, Assembly Bill 2093 will expand the California Promise Program, allowing all low-income students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any community college free of cost. Santiago said the bill will encourage low-income students to pursue higher education without the fear of significant college debt.

“In the world’s fourth largest economy, you should be able to get a bachelor’s degree that is tuition free,” Santiago said. “While we invested in financial aid for our community college students, including the California College Promise Program, the number of bachelor’s degree earners fell by 2.4%, the first drop we have seen in a decade. We must ensure that all students regardless of income have the ability to receive a bachelor’s degree.”

“The student success data are clear. The California Promise Program has been a game-changer in making higher education accessible to every Californian, irrespective of age, income and zip code, who may not have afforded it otherwise,” LACCD Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez said. “Santiago’s proposed legislation to expand this program allowing qualifying students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any of our state’s community college campuses tuition-free is the logical next step. This bill is not only a huge victory for equity for higher education, but it will uplift so many families by opening the doors to high-paying jobs in the future. LACCD is proud to wholeheartedly sponsor it.”

According to a report from the Community College League of California, students continue to cite the total cost of college as the greatest barrier to higher education. Thus, LACCD said it is imperative that California continues to support students by removing financial barriers. Approximately 95% of graduates have remained in California after receiving a community college baccalaureate degree. AB 2093 will encourage more students to enroll in higher education and help them graduate with less debt while ensuring California remains competitive in the global market, according to LACCD.

AB 2093 will be referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee and is expected to be heard in March.