Fresno State students could get $500 cash each month under new proposal. Here’s why

Isabel Sophia Dieppa
·2 min read

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It is Monday, Jan 24.

Fresno State students would get $500 a month under a new Universal Basic Income pilot project proposal from state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose.

If passed, five California State University campuses will pilot the program — Fresno State, Los Angeles, San Francisco State, CSU East Bay, and San Jose State.

According to Fresno State’s 2020 enrollment data, about 62% of Fresno State students were eligible for Pell grants. Pell Grants are awarded to students with exceptional financial needs.

In a recent interview with The Bee’s Ed Lab, Cortese said cash payments would be more helpful for students because needs change and evolve. A student might need housing assistance during one semester but help with textbooks the next. Cash would give students flexibility, which, Cortese said, would help more financially-struggling students stay in school.

“The big idea is that it’s less prescriptive,” Cortese said.

Are you a Fresno State student who would benefit from an extra $500 a month?

Let us know at edlab@fresnobee.com.

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