BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez, D-Shafter, who spoke out strongly against the recent 32 percent fee spike at UC campuses, this week introduced legislation to help stabilize student fees for future generations of California students.

With rates that can remain relatively stable for some time and then skyrocket, it is nearly impossible for parents and students to plan their saving and investments with any sense of confidence the end result will be enough to afford whatever the going rate is by the time they enroll. Even then, the next year may soar out of reach, abruptly ending a dream.

On Monday, Florez introduced Senate Bill 969 – The California College and University Fee Stabilization Act of 2010 -- to remove much of that uncertainty from planning for a college education.

Senate Bill 969 says that the fee you pay your first year of college is the fee you will pay until you graduate, much as degree graduation requirements are locked in based on what was in place in your year of admission. In addition, SB 969 states that the fee increase from one year’s incoming class to the next can be no more than five percent, so parents can plan ahead for their children’s younger siblings as well.

"It is of benefit to every one of us to ensure that the best and the brightest students in this state are not kept from reaching their potential by unreasonable and unexpected spikes in tuition rates," Florez said. "If we are to build and maintain an economy befitting of this great state, we can not make higher education an unattainable dream."

Information Provided By Jennifer Hanson, Press Secretary For Dean Florez