FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2023
CONTACT: Angela.deJoseph@asm.ca.gov
Dr. Akilah Weber Statement on Governor Newsom’s January Budget
Allocating $300 million Equity Multiplier for K-12 Students
SACRAMENTO — Today, Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-La Mesa) issued the following statement regarding Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal for $300 million in new ongoing funding for
K-12 students.
Budget Proposal Language: To accelerate learning gains and close opportunity gaps, the Budget includes $300 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund to establish an equity multiplier as an add-on to the LCFF. These funds will be allocated to local educational agencies based on school-site eligibility, using a more targeted methodology than the existing supplemental grant eligibility. The funds are intended to augment resources to support the highest-needs schools in the state, and highlight the importance of equitable allocation of resources by local educational agencies. https://ebudget.ca.gov/FullBudgetSummary.pdf
“Student academic achievement is linked to a wide range of social determinants. We know that certain indicators such as low graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and high suspension rates are linked to poor academic outcomes. Consequently, we must ensure that our under-resourced schools will have the funds to holistically target our highest-needs students,” commented Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. (D-La Mesa). “This is why I have worked with the Governor’s administration on a comprehensive framework of distribution, oversight and accountability of the funds released in today’s budget proposal dedicated to low-performing students. Our school systems must show accountability that the funds they receive will be used on those students and produce improved academic performance.”
There continues to be a persistent and wide achievement gap between black students (30.3% proficiency in reading and 15.9% in math). The first bill to address this was introduced many years ago by then-Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber, which resulted in a one-time block grant to schools. Now, permanent on-going funding is in the budget starting Fiscal Year 23-24 to ensure that all students who need additional funding and support to succeed academically.
“I believe this proposal is a step in the right direction but as we all know, details matter. I look forward to working with the stakeholders to ensure this process works for our highest-needs students,” ended Dr. Weber.
Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D. represents California's 79th Assembly District, which includes La Mesa,
Lemon Grove, Spring Valley/La Presa, and parts of the cities of El Cajon and San Diego.
Website of Assemblymember Akilah Weber, M.D: www.a79.asmdc.org.