(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Governor Newsom signed the Golden State Teacher Grant Program into law and funded it with $89 million in the state budget. The program, proposed by Assemblymember Robert Rivas and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, delivers grants to aspiring teachers to help them cover the cost of the training they need to enter the classroom. Grants are targeted to teachers who commit to teach in subject areas where California is currently facing a severe shortage of teachers – primarily bilingual education, special education and STEM, and in schools that have had a particularly hard time hiring qualified educators.

“Teachers change lives and are the bedrock of our public education system,” said Assemblymember Rivas. “That’s why it’s critical we fight to support them. I authored the Golden State Teacher Grant Program to do just that and help schools bring more teachers into the classrooms where they’re needed most.”

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) announced a boost in funding to the Monterey County Health Department, Behavioral Health Division. 

“Addressing the unmet mental health needs in our communities is of vital importance,” Rivas said. “I’m pleased to see this funding allocation, which will support two new mobile crisis support teams in our district.”

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, both houses of the state Legislature approved the 2019-20 state budget and Assemblymember Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) issued the following statement:

“The Legislature has passed an on-time and balanced budget that prioritizes investments in our residents’ health, education and housing. I’m proud that my first budget vote takes bold steps to help more people in our communities live the California dream. Together, with the Senate and Governor, we have crafted a budget that takes historic steps to help all Californians today, while laying the foundation for an even brighter tomorrow.”