College Affordability Act of 2008

Some California legislators, students and parent volunteers at 30 CSU's and UC's are pushing the College Affordability Act of 2008, AB 2372, according to the Daily 49er. Joe Coto (D-San Jose), an assembly member, authored the bill that could potentially freeze tuition costs for the next five years if the bill is passed through legislation.

"This proposal adds—beginning in 2009—a new 1 percent surcharge on personal income above $1 million. This would establish a top state income tax bracket of 11.3 percent. It directs 60 percent of the new income tax revenues to the two university systems for undergraduate education. This proposal also freezes CSU resident undergraduate fees at their 2008-09 level for five years. After that period, the proposal would limit subsequent fee increases to no more than the annual percentage change in the California Consumer Price Index," according to the Legislative Analyst's Office.

A student-led organization, Tuition Relief Now, has had a similar initiative by getting signatures in what would hopefully end up on ballot. Chris Vaeth, the campaign director, said that when "collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot, student leaders are frequently asked why they are not instead pursuing a legislative route. AB 2372 is our answer."


Campaign video from Tuition Relief Now website.