Welfare Recipients Could Receive Bonus To Continue Education

Sacramento, CA — In an effort to encourage Calworks recipients to achieve a “better life,” the Assembly GOP leader is proposing additional income payments for those that reach educational goals while receiving benefits.

AB 2058 , authored by Republican Chad Mayes, was approved unanimously by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Mayes cites that 65% of CalWORKS recipients do not have a high school diploma. He says, “Californians deserve a pathway to a better life. It is time to make CalWORK’s more than simply a poverty maintenance program. We must ensure that recipients have the tools they need to change their lives for the better. Encouraging further education is just one of the best ways we can do that.”

The supplemental funding would become available to a recipient after they receive their high school diploma or equivalent. Up to $300 a month would be available for recipients pursuing a college degree.

Mayes notes that the bill is supported by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the Coalition of California Welfare Rights Organizations and the County Welfare Directors Association.

Mayes took over as Assembly GOP leader earlier this year. The position was previously held by Kristin Olsen.