EDUCATION

Senator Ed Hernandez wants to ensure California, as the world’s 6th largest economy, has an education system that will prepare our kids for an ever-evolving 21st century global economy. The first in his family to graduate from college, he believes an education is the greatest equalizer in our society. That’s why he is an advocate for re-investing in our K-12 public schools, community colleges, and public universities. As someone who worked his way through college, he has been a champion for reducing the burden on students and their families by improving access and affordability at our public colleges and universities.   As an Assemblymember and now as a Senator, he has:

Worked to invest more resources directly into the classrooms of our local K-12 schools including $3600 more per student, allowing schools to hire more teachers and reduce classroom sizes.

Supported measures that have added 7,000 new slots for California kids to go to college.

Advocated against the rising costs of tuition and pushed the state to address the growing, unsustainable student loan debt crisis.

Authored legislation to increase the number of college prep and advanced placement courses offered to high school students from disadvantaged communities.

Coauthored legislation that invested $200 million more to ensure our students are better prepared for college.

Backs additional funding for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and supports expanded funding to ensure students have up-to-date textbooks and course materials.

Introduced legislation to make University of California and California State University more accessible to qualified students from underserved and underrepresented communities.

Supports efforts to invest more in our middle schools, which are often the forgotten link in our education system.

Fights to keep guns out of schools and make campuses safer by increasing funding for public safety.