EAST PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 17, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Patrick Heisinger, Interim City Manager
BY: James Colin, Executive Assistant
SUBJECT: Letter of Support for SB 893
Recommendation
By motion, authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter, on behalf of City Council, to support Senator Josh Becker, Assembly Member Kevin Mullin, and Assembly Member Marc Berman’s Senate Bill 893 – Financial Assistance for Community College Students in Need.
Alignment with City Council Strategic Plan
This recommendation is primarily aligned with:
Priority No. 6: Create a Healthy and Safe Community
Background
SB 893
SB 893 was introduced by Senator Josh Becker on January 31, 2022. Existing law establishes the California Community Colleges, under the administration of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, as one of the segments of public postsecondary education in this state. Existing law requires community college districts to charge students an enrollment fee of $46 per unit per semester.
This bill would authorize the San Mateo County Community College District to charge students an enrollment fee less than $46 per unit per semester. If the San Mateo County Community College District charges a fee rate less than $46 per unit per semester, the bill would require the governing board of the community college district to adopt a policy that establishes eligibility requirements for fee rate modifications, as specified, and a requirement to prepare a fiscal impact statement, including a 3-year projection of the fiscal impact of fee rate modifications on the community college district, as specified.
The bill would specify that the San Mateo County Community College District is not eligible for state reimbursement for the difference between the fee rate charged and the $46 per unit per semester enrollment fee. The bill would require the San Mateo County Community College District to only provide the fee rate modification to students who reside within the boundary of the community college district.
This bill would authorize the San Mateo County Community College District to use existing funds for the implementation of the California College Promise, and to provide assistance to students for the total cost of attendance. The bill would define total cost of attendance for a student attending a community college as including all items prescribed in a specified federal statute.
The bill would require the San Mateo County Community College District to only use local unrestricted general funds for purposes of implementing the California College Promise for students who reside within the boundary of the community college district.
This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the San Mateo County Community College District.
Analysis
A draft support letter from the City Council of the City of East Palo Alto is provided in Attachment 1.
Staff recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager to submit this letter on behalf of the City Council.
Next Steps
If directed, the City Manager will submit the letter, signed by the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council to the intended recipients.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this staff report.
Public Notice
The public was provided notice by making the agenda and report available on the City’s website and at the San Mateo Co. Library located at 2415 University Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Environmental
The action being considered does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guideline section 15378 (b)(5), in that it is a government administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
Attachments
1. SB 893 Letter of Support