May 12, 2025

Welcome to a brand new issue of NextGen’s What’s Next newsletter! We’re almost at the halfway point in the month of May, which is always an active time for the NextGen team as the Capitol community prepares for the annual release of the Governor’s May Budget Revision (also known as the “May Revise”). The May Budget Revision provides updates to the Governor’s January budget proposal, taking into account the status of April tax receipts, any program changes, and other variables such as federal funding cuts.

In this edition, we’ll try to give you a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming May Revise, as well as discuss several other topics including AB 850 (Pacheco) and how you can help make college more affordable in California; the latest information on California’s School Meals for All program; what the federal changes to the student loan program mean to student borrowers; a friendly reminder to sign up for NextGen’s free blog (Let’s Talk); and so much more!

★ Get Ready for the Governor’s May Revise: It’s that time in the legislative cycle— word is the Governor will release his May Revision on Wednesday, May 14. This update to the January budget includes the latest revenue numbers, projected shortfalls, program changes, and maybe even some new proposals. He usually breaks it down in a press conference, which kicks off fresh rounds of budget hearings and negotiations with legislative leaders. We don’t yet know how big the current and next year’s deficits will be, but they’re expected to be significant due to delayed income tax receipts from the LA fires, federal funding cuts, and other program issues impacting the state’s finances. Stay tuned for updates and NextGen’s take!

★ Help Us Move AB 850 Forward: Thanks to those who sent letters to the California State Assembly in support of AB 850 (Pacheco) – the Increasing Institutional Debt Transparency and Protecting Students Act. This key piece of legislation passed the Assembly Higher Education Committee and is now moving to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The bill will help California students stay enrolled in their college courses and remain on track for graduation by addressing institutional debt – fees and penalties that students unexpectedly owe directly to their campuses. If left unpaid, such debt can prevent students from enrolling in classes and possibly even graduating. You can still take action to make sure AB 850 continues to move forward in the legislative process and support struggling students! Please send a quick email to the Assembly Appropriations Committee (the email is already written for you) to show your support for AB 850.

★ Protecting School Meals for All: The NextGen team continues to go all-in on our support for California’s School Meals for All program, which helps to provide free breakfast and lunch to K–12 students throughout the state. Recently, NextGen’s Tiffany Germain, Research & Policy Advisor, joined our partners from the School Meals for All Coalition at the State Capitol to provide public comments at a budget hearing and meet with legislators to discuss the importance of this program. NextGen has also been collecting stories from educators, students, and families to highlight the need for and positive benefits of California’s groundbreaking School Meals for All program. Read about the positive impact this program is having on the lives of California’s families!

Photo of NextGen’s Research & Policy Advisor Tiffany Germain with partners from the School Meals for All Coalition at the California Capitol.

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Stay connected with the issues that matter! NextGen’s Let’s Talk blog is written by our policy team, bringing you monthly updates and expert insight on happenings in the California legislature, key policies impacting Californians, and plenty more exclusive content just for you!

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★ Did You Know? Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 10th at 11:00 AM PT and plan to join us and our partners at Student Debt Crisis Center for a virtual Student Debt Clinic! This student loan borrower-focused workshop addresses the top needs and common questions raised by student borrowers. Topics discussed will include information on federal student loan repayment programs, federal changes and what those mean for borrowers, opportunities for participants to ask questions, and plenty more! RSVP for our Student Debt Clinic on Tuesday, June 10th at 11 AM PT.

★ Member Spotlight: This week, NextGen is shining a spotlight on Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who is the former Mayor of the city of Winters and represents California’s 4th Assembly District. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry is the author of AB 675, a bill that would codify California’s Farm to School Program into law. The California Farm to School Program helps to ensure that students throughout the state receive fresh, nutritious school meals by connecting schools with local farmers to access agriculture products. NextGen is proud to support AB 675 and our team thanks Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry for authoring this bill and standing with us in the fight to eradicate child hunger in California schools. Make sure to follow Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry on Facebook to stay up-to-date with her work!