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News Release
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CONTACT: communications@lausd.net |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 7, 2024 |
Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Affirms Commitment and Prioritizes Passage of Senate Bill 333
If Enacted, Senate Bill 333 Will Establish an Income Pilot Program for Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Los Angeles, CA (May 7, 2024) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified School District unanimously passed a resolution brought by School Board President Jackie Goldberg and Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson to support and prioritize the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 333.
SB 333, introduced by California State Senator Dave Cortese (San Jose) would provide a statewide guaranteed income pilot program called the California Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) Guaranteed Income Program. This pilot program would provide 15,000 high school seniors experiencing homelessness with direct cash assistance to support their transition out of high school and help them to pursue employment and postsecondary educational opportunities.
“We have 13,000 students currently experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles Unified who overcome astronomical challenges while they are in school,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Then, in the summer after high school graduation, they lose the robust support system provided by schools, including food assistance, shelter, teachers, school counselors, and other trusted adults. Senate Bill 333 will provide these students a lifeline.”
“Los Angeles Unified will always work and advocate on behalf of our communities,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “While this bill does not resolve the underlying issues of homelessness or poverty, it is a lifeline to ensure that our students and their families have a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and the ability to visit a doctor.”
“I strongly support the passage of Senate Bill 333, the California Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) Guaranteed Income Program,” Board Member Dr. George McKenna said. “This program provides crucial monetary assistance to youth experiencing homelessness in the months between high school graduation and postsecondary education or gainful employment. Providing this bridge is an important step in breaking the cycle of poverty for these students.”
“Safe and stable housing isn’t just a basic need,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “It’s the foundation for a successful education. Senate Bill 333 offers a lifeline, providing these young adults with the financial stability they need to pursue their education and build a brighter future. Let’s stand together and urge the legislature to pass SB 333 and give our most vulnerable students a fighting chance.”
“I'm proud that LA Unified has taken a stand to further support high school seniors experiencing homelessness, Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Senate Bill 333 will provide needed financial assistance to support students as they transition out of high school, seek postsecondary education, and obtain employment. LA Unified calls upon the State to support the thousands of LA Unified students who experience homelessness.”
“Students experiencing homelessness face additional challenges after graduation, and this pilot program will provide direct support to students as they navigate employment and continued education,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I hope the State can continue to explore ways to deepen support for students experiencing homelessness – both during and after their TK-12 education.”
“I stand proudly with my colleagues in supporting SB333,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said “This legislation would deepen our efforts to support our students experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have the safeguards necessary to transition to college, career and adulthood. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California has the ability to provide the necessary resources for all students and young adults to achieve their full potential.”
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.
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