Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your tax-deductible donation now.
Newsom’s New Budget Proposal Nixes More Money For Middle Class Scholarship
Amid a time of financial uncertainty, the governor’s proposed budget largely maintains the state’s investments in financial aid.
(
Justin Sullivan
/
Getty Images
)
Topline:
Despite a projected $37.9-billion deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2024-25 spending plan includes a slight bump for higher ed, including $2.5 billion for the Cal Grant and $636.2 million for the Middle Class Scholarship. The governor has, however, decided to forgo a planned one-time investment of $289 million to increase the Middle Class Scholarship.
What does that mean? The Middle Class Scholarship is for families that earn a little over $200,000 a year. It's part of wider efforts to keep students from taking out loans to earn a bachelor’s degree. It provides undergrads and students pursuing a teaching credential with funding to attend a UC, CSU, or community college.
Why now: Weaker-than-expected state revenues and delayed tax deadlines due to natural disasters have contributed to the budget shortfall.
What's next: The governor’s proposal is just a starting point. A final budget compromise with the legislature is expected this summer.
See it for yourself: 2024-25 Higher Education Budget Summary
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
