This bill mandates the creation of the California Pay Our Interns Fund, which will serve as a repository for funds allocated to the program. It is projected that the fund will initially receive an annual appropriation of five million dollars from the General Fund, supplemented by potential contributions from federal, philanthropic, and other private sources. The program will allow for the approval of up to 650 internship stipends for eligible applicants, which will not impact their eligibility for financial aid or be classified as taxable income.
Summary
Assembly Bill 2437, introduced by Assembly Member Boerner Horvath on February 17, 2022, seeks to establish the California Pay Our Interns Program. This initiative aims to provide grants to eligible individuals for internships at various offices of the California government, including those of the Legislature and the Governor. The legislation highlights a growing recognition of the importance of providing compensated internship opportunities as a means of expanding access for students from low-income and marginalized communities, thus enhancing their professional development and experience within state government settings.
Contention
Opposition may arise around how the program defines eligibility and the maximum stipends offered. Stipends for participants will vary based on hours worked: $1,000 for 15 to 20 hours a week and $2,000 for those working 21 or more hours. Additionally, there's a concern regarding the $650,000 cap for program administration costs. As the program rolls out, ensuring fair access and transparency in fund distribution might be critical issues for advocacy groups monitoring state compliance with social equity goals.