Portantino Praises Adopted State Budget Secures Increased Special Education & Homeless Student Housing Funds

Sacramento, California — Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) is pleased that the State Senate passed the 2019–2020 balanced, on time and fiscally responsible state budget, today.  He also celebrated two important funding proposals he initiated through SB 217 and SB 568 which were included in the budget. 

“The overall budget increases spending on education and increases our rainy day fund, two very important goals for the long-term stability of California. It also stabilizes the affordable care act, provides funding for clean water and enrollment growth for the CSU &UC.  The Governor also brought energy and a targeted focus on early education.  We all know that helping our youngest learners early in their developmental process helps them for the rest of their lives. The budget includes several proposals that I brought forward that I believe will make a positive difference moving ahead.  In particular, increased special education funding and helping to address colleges’ student homeless problem make me very pleased to have voted today to support the budget,” commented Senator Portantino.

The 2019–2020 State Budget includes:

• $153.6 million for the equalization of special education funding.
• $493.3 million to provide grants to school districts serving 3- to 4-year-olds with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• $19 million to address student homelessness through a unique rapid rehousing plan. 

Funding for student housing aid between the three higher education segments: 

• $6.5 million to assist CSU students.
• $3.5 million to assist UC students.
• $9 million to assist community college students.

“Education continues to be my highest priority.  I am beyond glad that these initiatives have been included in the State Budget.  Special education students need our focus and our school districts need our help to have adequate resources to help them thrive.   I want to thank the Governor for allowing me to share some of his early education focus on our youngest students in need of IEPs,” added Senator Portantino.

A recent study of Los Angeles Community College students highlighted the very real problem of student homelessness in LA.  The John Burton Foundation further highlighted the issue as a statewide problem to Senator Portantino and he responded to the suggestion through a policy bill and budget-funding request. 

“College students in California are facing homelessness at unprecedented rates. This new funding will keep thousands of otherwise homeless college students on track to graduate and participate in California’s economy by ensuring they have access to safe, affordable housing. Thank you, Senator Portantino, the California legislature and Governor Newsom for your leadership on the critical issue of student homelessness in California,” added John Burton, John Burton Advocates for Youth.

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