California Senate Advances Bill to Increase Student Aid and Cover Basic Needs
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 1006, authored by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego). The strengthens financial aid for California college students by increasing and modernizing the Cal Grant B access award.
“Students shouldn’t have to choose between staying enrolled and meeting their basic needs,” said Senator Padilla. “Financial aid should match what college actually costs so we can invest in California’s future.”
For more than 50 years, the Cal Grant program has helped students cover the cost of higher education. However, while tuition awards for public universities have grown over time, support for non-tuition expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and books—has lagged significantly behind. Currently, the maximum Cal Grant B access award remains capped at $1,648 per year. Originally set at $900 in 1969, the award has not kept pace with inflation and is now worth less than one-fifth of its original value. Meanwhile, non-tuition costs have surged and now make up the majority of college expenses, often exceeding $30,000 annually for students living off campus.
SB 1006 seeks to address this gap through a series of incremental investments. Beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, the bill would increase the Cal Grant B access award and require it to automatically adjust each year based on inflation using the California Consumer Price Index. This change would ensure that aid keeps pace with rising costs rather than losing value over time.
The legislation would benefit students across California’s higher education system, including community colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses. Approximately 69% of Cal Grant recipients rely on Cal Grant B, and 38% attend community colleges.
The bill also supports particularly vulnerable student populations, including student parents and former foster youth, who may qualify for supplemental access awards. Combined with Cal Grant B, these students can receive up to $6,000 annually to help offset additional financial burdens.
Student advocacy groups, including the California State Student Association (CSSA) and the University of California Student Association (UCSA), have voiced strong support for SB 1006. On Monday, CSSA held a rally on the west steps of the State Capitol to uplift the bill and call for it to be prioritized as part of their annual lobby day.
SB 1006 is co-sponsored by The Institute for College Access & Success, Children Now, EdTrust West, and Public Advocates.
“SB 1006 is crucial to the success of both individual Californians and the state because it would ensure that the Cal Grant B access awards that the lowest income students receive to help cover non-tuition college costs, including basic needs, do not continue to lose value and provide much needed support on Californians’ paths to earning a higher education credential,” said Manny Rodriguez, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success.
“California must match its commitment to college access by ensuring students aren’t priced out of college by costs financial aid fails to cover. SB 1006 is about equity and making sure financial aid keeps pace with the real cost of living so low-income students can afford not just tuition, but to stay enrolled in college and succeed,” said Vince Stewart, Vice President, Policy & Programs at Children Now.
“Increasing the Cal Grant B Access Award is one of the smartest investments California can make to lift students out of poverty. When we help students meet their basic needs, we are not just helping them stay enrolled, we are fueling the talent, creativity, and economic strength that moves our state forward," said Melissa Bardo, Director of Government Affairs at EdTrust-West.
"Tuition, groceries and rents don't freeze in place and neither should state financial aid," said Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton, Director of Higher Education at Public Advocates. "Nearly 70% of Cal Grant recipients depend on the access award, yet its value has steadily eroded. Indexing it to inflation isn't generosity — it's responsible policy."
Senate Bill 1006 passed the Senate Education Committee today with bipartisan support by a vote of 7 to 0, and now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/