SACRAMENTO – Continuing his commitment to making higher education affordable and accessible for every Californian, Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) appointed John McDowell, a professor of labor relations and director of the Labor Center at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College, to the California Student Aid Commission on January 24.

“In a time when access to higher education for lower-income and middle-class Californians is threatened by ever increasing costs, we need educators like John McDowell to protect our state’s financial aid programs,” said Speaker Pérez. “With 25 years of experience fighting for higher education access, John McDowell is the type of leader who will defend the critical programs that make higher education possible for all Californians.”

McDowell, who received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sacramento State University, is the founder of the Labor Center at Los Angeles Trade Technical College—home of the largest labor studies program in the nation. He also recently served as the president of the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges, where he developed grassroots action and advocacy programs in support of California higher education.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Speaker, and I believe we share common values regarding access and student aid,” said McDowell. “Lots of changes are being proposed for student aid, many of which will make aid more restrictive and reduce grant levels for students. It is critical to have members of the Commission who will make wise, thoughtful policy decisions, and I will work closely with the Speaker to advance the interests of the students served by financial aid.”

The California Student Aid Commission is the principal state agency responsible for administering state financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California.

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408

Website of Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker