Sasha Renée Pérez (File Photo – Office of Sasha Renée Pérez)
State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez praised several key education investments included in Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised 2026–2027 state budget proposal while also calling for additional support for higher education affordability and wildfire recovery efforts.
By News Desk
In a statement released following the Governor’s May Revision, Pérez highlighted what she described as “significant new investments in education,” including record per-pupil spending, the state’s largest investment in special education, and expanded discretionary funding for schools.
“As the Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I appreciate the record investments in per-pupil spending, including the state’s largest investment in special education, and a healthy discretionary block grant for schools and their unique needs,” Pérez said.
She also voiced strong support for a proposal to provide 14 weeks of paid pregnancy leave for TK-12 and community college teachers, calling it a historic investment that stemmed from a Legislative Women’s Caucus priority introduced last year.
Pérez noted that the revised budget maintains ongoing General Fund investments in both the University of California and California State University systems, including five-percent base increases intended to support campus operations and student access.
However, the Pasadena Democrat expressed concern over the omission of funding for the Middle Class Scholarship program, which assists students with the cost of higher education.
“There remains room for negotiation, as it does not include restoration of the Middle Class Scholarship program, which serves to support the affordability of higher education in California,” Pérez said. “The Governor’s proposal still leaves money on the table that should be going to schools, and we look forward to continuing our discussion with the Administration.”
Pérez also addressed wildfire recovery funding, applauding a new $100 million investment aimed at mortgage and rebuilding assistance for Los Angeles County fire survivors. At the same time, she warned that additional state support may be necessary.
“I’m concerned that California will need to do even more given the Trump administration has disgracefully turned its back on fire survivors,” Pérez said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to address the widespread fire recovery needs that remain for survivors of the most devastating fires in our state’s history.”
The senator said the State Senate will continue working under its “Foundation for the Future” budget framework while negotiating with the Governor and Assembly leaders ahead of the June 15 constitutional deadline to pass a balanced budget.
“Our focus will remain prioritizing California’s families and the overall economy by making responsible choices now so we can prevent bigger and more harmful budget cuts in the future,” Pérez said.
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