Equity Funding Bill Recommended by Reparations Task Force Passes Assembly

Following through on recommendations made by the state’s Reparations Task Force last year, a bill that would prioritize individuals in historically disadvantaged communities for career technical education grants passed the California Assembly May 23 on a vote of 72-0. Assembly Bill 3131, authored by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, would give positive consideration to applicants located in historically lower-income neighborhoods. The California Department of Education and the executive director of the State Board of Education would determine which communities, programs, and individuals are eligible for prioritization. The author noted the need to put school districts in vulnerable communities—such as those that experienced discrimination, known as redlining, where financial services and resources were denied due to a neighborhood’s racial composition—first in line for grants because such would help improve graduation rates, college attendance, earnings, and skills needed to develop successful careers....