Additional Proposition 98 funding strengthens student success, campus infrastructure, and college operations
SACRAMENTO, CA - Assemblymember and Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) welcomed the inclusion of significant new investments in California's community colleges in the 2026-27 State Budget, including enhanced Proposition 98 Block Grant funding expected to benefit Santa Monica College (SMC) and the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), after advocating for the funding during budget negotiations.
Recognizing the critical role institutions like SMC play in preparing students for transfer, workforce training, and lifelong learning, Assemblymember Zbur advocated for increased support for California's community colleges. The final budget includes additional Proposition 98 Block Grant funding—a flexible source of funding that colleges can use to address their greatest local needs, including academic programs, student services, technology, and campus operations.
"Santa Monica College is one of the premier community colleges in California and serves thousands of students every year who are working toward a degree, transferring to a four-year university, or preparing for high-demand careers," said Assemblymember Zbur. "I was proud to advocate for these investments because they open doors for millions of students, and investing in their success is an investment in the future of our workforce and our economy. This funding will help Santa Monica College — and all community colleges within LACCD — continue delivering an outstanding education while maintaining the facilities and student services that students rely on every day."
The final budget provides substantial new Proposition 98 investments for California's community colleges, including:
- $120.7 million for deferred maintenance projects statewide.
- Increased Proposition 98 Block Grant funding that provides colleges with flexible resources to address local priorities.
- $213.7 million ongoing to support enrollment growth.
- $438.3 million ongoing for a 4.31 percent cost-of-living adjustment through the Student Centered Funding Formula.
- $408.3 million one-time to fully repay prior funding deferrals.
- Additional investments supporting dual enrollment, apprenticeship programs, Dreamer Resource Centers, LGBTQ Resource Centers, workforce development, and student success initiatives.
The budget agreement also provides approximately $2.7 billion more in Proposition 98 funding for California's schools and community colleges over the next two fiscal years than was proposed in the Governor's May Revision, while committing to repay $3.9 billion in deferred Proposition 98 obligations.
"On behalf of everyone at Santa Monica College, I commend the significant investment that legislative and executive leadership are providing to California's community colleges," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery. "We are especially grateful to Assemblymember Zbur for his advocacy. These funds will help our students to fulfill their aspirations and will help SMC put our life-changing mission into action."
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov