“With over 15,000 high school seniors experiencing homelessness each year, the California Senate passing SB 1341 is probably one of the best graduation gifts a lot of these kids could ever see,” said Teri Olle, California Campaign Director for Economic Security Project Action.

“We are immensely glad that the California Senate has passed this bill, which will give the most vulnerable graduates a guaranteed income during their transition from high school to postsecondary education or career. The Senate has taken a proven and practical tool – monthly direct cash payments – and used it to ensure high school seniors have the resources they need to pursue their dreams. The costs of higher education and living expenses and other unexpected costs are often too daunting to overcome for youth already struggling with unstable housing and lack of financial support. While the vast majority of students experiencing homelessness want to pursue higher education, only about 50% end up enrolling, derailed by insurmountable costs. The phenomenon is so common it even has a name: “Summer Melt.” Guaranteed income for students can actually disrupt the cycle of poverty for these students and put them on stable footing for the future. Now we need to work to ensure that this bill makes it pass the Assembly, on to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk and gets fully funded – so that these students can start to build a better future.”