Press Releases

Monday, April 16, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Today in honor of the Holocaust Day of Remembrance, Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) recognized Yolanda R.S. Granaada of AD 61 on the Assembly Floor.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

SACRAMENTO— To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the East LA student walkouts, Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside), in partnership with Assembly and academic colleagues, held a press conference to discuss the historical impact of the protests and the continued need for the integration of ethnic studies into public school curriculum. The event served to urge legislative support for AB 2772, which would mandate ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Today, Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2772 to require ethnic studies in high school.

“Knowledge of our history plays a critical role in shaping who we become. When I was growing up, the history of those who look like me was not represented in the classroom. As a former teacher, I saw firsthand how much more engaged my students were when they saw themselves reflected in the coursework. California is one of the most diverse states in the country and we should celebrate that diversity by teaching a curriculum that is inclusive of all of our cultures and backgrounds. That is why I am proud to introduce AB 2772 which will mandate ethnic studies as a high school graduation requirement.”

Friday, February 16, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Today, Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) introduced Assembly Bill (AB) 2756 to tighten up existing laws on private school oversight and data collection.

“The horrific child abuse case in Perris, California raised questions about the lack of oversight of private schools. As homeschooling is included in the state’s definition of private school, we currently have very little information on the nature of private school entities across California. My bill, AB 2756, will tighten up existing law to be inclusive of all private school learning environments and collect more information to achieve a better understanding of the private school landscape in California. I believe it is important to have different education options, such as private schools, to meet each child’s individual needs. However, the state has a responsibility to ensure that each child is in a safe learning environment. AB 2756 will provide the oversight needed to protect students and their rights.”

Monday, February 5, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Tonight, Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) will be awarded “Legislator of the Year” by the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC).  This award is given annually to a legislator WACAC believes has made an extraordinary contribution to improving and encouraging access to higher education in California.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from WACAC. As a former educator and community college trustee, improving access to higher education has always been my top priority. I will continue to fight to increase the access and success of California’s students at our esteemed institutions. I am grateful for WACAC’s work to support and advance counseling and enrollment professionals as they help all students realize their full potential.”

Thursday, January 25, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) released the following statement on Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.’s State of the State address:

“I want to thank Governor Brown for his service to California over the past eight years. He entered into his third term as governor at a tumultuous time and guided California out of a great recession. I applaud Governor Brown’s leadership in establishing a “rainy day” fund to ensure that California continues to prosper long-term.

However, at a time when California has reached a new height of economic prosperity, I believe we have a responsibility to do more to keep our institutions of higher education affordable for our students. Too many young people in this state struggle to pay for college and are stacked with insurmountable debt before entering the workforce creating systemic problems that have lasting impacts on our economy. Greater investment in higher education is essential to the growth and prominence of California. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature and the Governor in his final year to ensure that high quality education is accessible to all students.”

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

SACRAMENTO— Assemblymember Jose Medina (D-Riverside) released the following statement on the proposed tuition increases at CSU and UC: 

“I am opposed to tuition increases at the California State University and University of California. As a proud alumnus of the UC, I understand firsthand how critical it is to ensure that California’s public higher education institutions are affordable and accessible to all students. The state of California has a responsibility to keep the cost of college down for our students, while also providing adequate funding to ensure the long-term growth of our renowned public institutions. I urge Governor Brown to increase the CSU and UC budgets by 4 percent, instead of the currently proposed 3 percent. The state can and should do more to ensure all students have access to high quality education.”