Homeless pupils: California Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) Guaranteed Income Program.
The implementation of SB 333 represents a significant shift in California's approach to supporting homeless youth. It allows income received through the SOAR program to be excluded from gross income calculations, meaning it will not be counted against recipients when assessing eligibility for other state benefits like CalWORKs or CalFresh. This provision aims to mitigate the financial barriers that could deter students from participating in essential social programs while also encouraging educational attainment among a vulnerable population.
Senate Bill No. 333, introduced by Senator Cortese, aims to assist homeless high school seniors through the California Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) Guaranteed Income Program. This bill proposes to provide eligible students with a guaranteed monthly income of $1,000 over four months, starting May 1, 2025, to encourage educational retention and completion. Furthermore, the bill creates the California SOAR Guaranteed Income Fund, which will oversee the funds allocated for this purpose, emphasizing support for students experiencing homelessness, thereby increasing their educational and economic stability.
The sentiment surrounding SB 333 is largely positive among proponents who advocate for increased support for homeless youth. Advocates believe that providing financial assistance is essential for stability and success. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the bill's dependency on federal waivers, which may complicate the execution of the program and limit its effectiveness. Opponents of a broad income assistance approach may argue available resources could be spent on other social programs intended to assist homeless populations.
A major point of contention related to SB 333 hinges on its perceived dependency on federal approval for certain provisions. Critics argue that the bill relies on exemptions or waivers from federal law to ensure the awards under the SOAR program do not infringe upon existing public aid systems. Additionally, there may be discussions about the long-term sustainability and funding for this program, given its repeal slated for January 1, 2028, unless renewed.