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Bill offering free bachelor’s degrees nears approval

A historic bill that would allow students to pursue a tuition free bachelor’s degree at California’s community colleges has passed the state Legislature and is under consideration by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Self-defense workshop teaches L.A. teens to defend themselves amid rising crime

A free self-defense workshop teaching teenagers how to defend themselves amid a rise in campus bullying and violent crime was held in Boyle Heights on Saturday. The workshop was hosted by Los Angeles Assembly Member Miguel Santiago and taught students from 12 to 17 years old how to set boundaries, take preventative measures, and master easy-to-learn self-defense techniques. The class featured instructors from Peace Over Violence in partnership with Proyecto Pastoral.

Many Californians lack access to financial services. A public banking option could help them

Account minimums, overdraft fees, and showing ID are all common requirements for opening a bank account. But they're hurdles many Californians can't jump over.

That's why the state is considering establishing its own public banking option. CalAccount would be a no-cost banking platform without fees and penalties, managed by the state and run privately by another financial entity. It would also make it easier for unhoused people and those without state or federal ID to enroll.

California Assemblymember Miguel Santiago’s Free Community College Bachelor Degree Bill Passes Higher Education Committee

Sacramento, CA – Following Tuesday’s passage of AB 2093 (Santiago) out of the Assembly Higher Education Committee, released the following statement:

“As the former President of the nation’s largest community college district and as someone who heavily relied on financial aid for college, it is imperative to ensure more Californians have the opportunity to access a bachelor’s degree,” said Assembly Member Santiago.

California students could earn a free bachelor's degree

CULVER CITY, Calif. — California is one of 24 states that allow community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees. 

If AB 2093 passes, it would enable low-income students to pursue one of 33 bachelor's degrees for free at any California community college. 

Assemblymember Miguel Santiago, who authored the bill, said students must attend full-time and not already have a bachelor's. 

Assemblymember Santiago proposes bills to boost downtown housing

California State Assembly Member Miguel Santiago has introduced a pair of bills aimed at increasing the supply of residential housing in the state, particularly in downtown areas.

Assembly Bill 2909 would expand the state's Mills Act program, which provides incentives for the restoration and preservation of historic buildings by private property owners, to include buildings more than 30 years old located in commercial zones.

California Considers ‘Tuition-Free Bachelor’s Degrees’

While the world’s largest higher education system – California’s community colleges – continues to expand its curriculum, lawmakers are expanding ways for students to access it.

At a press conference at East Los Angeles College on Feb. 22, local state Assembly representative Miguel Santiago presented the latest of the “California College Promise” measures he initiated in 2017.

Lawmakers, activists pushing CA bill to expand access to free college

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Some state lawmakers and activists are pushing to make sure all California students have access to free higher education.

Assembly Member Miguel Santiago was joined by community leaders at East Los Angeles College, where he called on the state Legislature to pass the Tuition-Free Bachelor's Degree measure.

Bill will create free bachelor’s degree program for low-income students

Assemblyman Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) introduced a measure on Feb. 6 to create a tuition-free bachelor’s degree program.

Assembly Bill 2093 will expand the California Promise Program, allowing all low-income students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at any community college for free. Additionally, the bill will encourage low-income students to pursue higher education without the fear of significant college debt.