Sacramento - Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) announced today that he has co-authored legislation to give qualified middle class families a helping hand in being able to afford tuition and fees at California's public colleges and universities.

"This is a wise investment in our future," said Assemblymember Huffman. "For too many middle class families, college has become unaffordable – they do not qualify for Cal Grants, but they still cannot afford skyrocketing UC and CSU tuitions. This exciting new program will help keep the dream of higher education alive for all Californians, which is essential if we are going to compete in the global economy."

Since the 2003-2004 school year, CSU fees have increased 191 percent, UC fees have increased by 145 percent, and community college student fees have also increased significantly. Many middle income families turn to increased use of student loans to cover the thousands of dollars in fee hikes. And, these students graduate further in debt, sending monthly payments to out of state banks rather than contributing to the local economy by buying a first home and joining the growing middle class.

With the Middle Class Scholarship, all students in the CSU and UC systems with family incomes less than $150,000 that do not already have fees covered will receive a Middle Class Scholarship that cuts tuition costs by two-thirds. For the CSU, approximately 150,000 students will receive the Middle Class Scholarship and save over $4,000 per year. About 42,000 UC students will also receive the Middle Class Scholarship and save up to $8,169 per year. Furthermore, community colleges will receive $150 million to expand affordability efforts.

The costs for the Middle Class Scholarship will be covered by eliminating the Single Sales Factor, a tax loophole that benefits out-of-state corporations. That will bring in $1 billion for the Middle Class Scholarship.

Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) represents the 6th Assembly District, which encompasses southern Sonoma County and all of Marin County. First elected in 2006, Huffman chairs the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and also serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Environmental Caucus.

CONTACT: Dan Okenfuss, (916) 319-2006 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it