California Members of Congress Urge Governor Brown to Expand Homeless Student Program

Press Release

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), joined by Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Mike Honda (CA-17), Jared Huffman (CA-2), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Scott Peters (CA-52) and 18 other California House Members, urged Governor Jerry Brown to address the unmet needs of California's nearly 300,000 homeless schoolchildren through the expansion of the School Supplies for Homeless Children Fund. The fund assists in providing basic material needs to homeless students. In a letter to Governor Brown the Members encouraged creating a dedicated funding stream for the program through the use of unobligated federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds.

"In the Bay Area, housing costs continue to soar while wages remain stagnant. Today, too many hardworking families find themselves in dire financial circumstances and unable to meet their child's basic material needs. Unfortunately, children in school cannot focus on their schoolwork when needs like socks, shoes, or hygiene items remain unmet. California can make a difference by expanding this program and giving these students and their families a better shot at success," said Congressman DeSaulnier.

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