Legislative Update: Senate Education Committee Passes Higher Ed Bills

Two higher education bills authored by Assemblyman Portantino, D-La Cañada Flintridge, advanced through the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, according to the legislator's spokeswoman Wendy Gordon. Portantino's measures are designed to continue his efforts for reform and accountability.

• AB 2 Higher Ed Accountability measures the performance of California's Higher Education systems. It provides parents, students and teachers with a report card on the successes or deficiencies of the California Community Colleges, the Cal State Universities, and the University of California.

•  requires the Chancellor’s office to establish a three-year pilot program to increase student participation in state and federal financial aid programs with the goal of making it easier for students to apply for aid.

In a written statement Portantino said particularly during tough economic times, it's important for people to maximize limited resources.

"Goals, objectives and accountability standards for our public colleges and universities are a great place to put this into practice,” Portantino wrote.

The next steps for these bills: Higher Ed advances to the Senate Rules Commitee and AB 91 heads to Senate Approproations for fiscal consideration, Gordon said. After that, it's on to the Senate floor.