The Associated Students of Pasadena City College Declares its Support for AB 1358

On May 14, 2013, the Associated Students of Pasadena City College (ASPCC) declares its support for Assembly Bill 1358, authored by Assembly Member Paul Fong.

AB 1358 allows community college associated student organizations to increase the voluntary student representation fee to $2.00, half of which will be allocated to the statewide student organization. As of right now, the statewide organization that represents California Community College students does not have a viable source of funding under California law, unlike their counterparts in the UC and Cal State systems.

It is unfortunate that although the California Community College System has over 2.4 million students, they do not have the legal authority to voluntarily, sustainably, and consistently support their statewide student organization.

ASPCC has provided service to its students through different avenues because of the student representation fee. This fee allows ASPCC to enrich student life on campus, as well as represent the students at the local, state, and national levels. AB 1358 empowers community college students by giving their statewide organization a more cohesive and empowered voice.

In ASPCC President Fraser’s letter of support for the bill to Assembly Members, Fraser looks back on how the student representation fee has been very beneficial for ASPCC since the 1990’s. “ASPCC has been able to effectively advocate on behalf of its students and we want the statewide student organization to be able to do the same with a stable source of funding which will aid them to carry on with their activities”.

Just recently, AB1358 passed in a 46-25 vote on the Assembly floor, after passing the Assembly Committee on Appropriations with a 12-5 vote.

If the bill passes through the Senate, and further signed into law by Governor Brown, a campus-wide student election to increase the Student Representation Fee may then take place.

For further questions, please contact Vice President for Public Relations Peter Torres at aspcc.ptorres@gmail.com, PCC extension number 7928.