California Doubles Down on Student Basic Needs Amid Federal Rollbacks
Governor Newsom signs Assembly Bill 79 to strengthen and expand student access to food, health care, other public benefits
SACRAMENTO—Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 79 into law, positioning California as a national leader in supporting students’ basic needs just as the federal government moves to scale back essential programs. The bill creates roles and infrastructure to ensure students in need can access public benefit programs, such as CalFresh and Medi-Cal—programs that many students qualify for but often struggle to access.
AB 79 is authored by Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula and co-sponsored by California Association of Food Banks, Center for Healthy Communities, Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organization, UAspire, and the Michelson Center for Public Policy.
The following is a statement from Dr. Queena Hoang, Senior Policy Advisor, Student Basic Needs, Michelson Center for Public Policy:
“AB 79 represents a critical step toward removing barriers that prevent California students from meeting their basic needs. By improving coordination between higher education institutions and County Departments of Public Social Services through a statewide knowledge-sharing network, we can ensure that more students access food, health care, and other essential support. At a time when federal proposals like H.R. 1 threaten to restrict access to programs like CalFresh and Medi-Cal, California is sending a strong message: our students’ success and well-being are a priority. We thank Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Arambula for their continued leadership and commitment to making California a beacon for student success.”
The following is a statement from Stacia Levenfeld, Chief Executive Officer, California Association of Food Banks:
“College students experience hunger at an alarming rate. California Food Banks and food pantries are a vital resource, connecting students to food, but they cannot end hunger alone. AB 79 (Arambula) helps bridge the gap by connecting students with resources like CalFresh, so they can focus on school rather than where their next meal will come from. Thank you, Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Arambula, for your continued leadership in the anti-hunger space.”
The following is a statement from Oscar Sandoval, Policy Manager, Center for Healthy Communities:
“One of the most challenging parts of lawmaking in our state is just how big it is. Legislators are responsible for the well-being of people in 58 counties that often have challenges that are unique to that county. With the passage of AB 79, our lawmakers are laying the groundwork for tailor-made solutions to the gaps in services in all 58 counties. Further, AB 79 ensures these solutions are developed by the hardworking staff who know firsthand the roadblocks each county faces. In a time when the federal government is stripping away so much from the American people, our state lawmakers have committed to addressing the basic needs challenges our college students are facing. We thank Governor Newsom and Assemblymember Arambula for being willing to further California’s support to the generations that will lead us into the future.”
The following is a statement from Janeira Forté, Chief Impact Officer, uAspire:
“uAspire is proud to support AB 79, which recognizes that college affordability isn’t just about paying for tuition; it’s about making sure students can meet their basic needs so they can complete their education. By creating a statewide network of basic needs coordinators and county social service liaisons, California is building the infrastructure students need to navigate complex systems and access resources like CalFresh and CalWORKs. This alignment between education and social services will help ensure that no student’s success depends on the county where they live.”
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The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is a 501(c)(4) organization advancing legislative change through strategic collaboration with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders. Focused on education, equity, justice, medical research, and animal welfare, MCPP complements the work of Michelson Philanthropies through bold, effective advocacy. Learn more at www.michelsonpolicy.org.
