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I introduced my Support California Foster Kids Bill Package back in February and I'm pleased to announce that all six bills have advanced and are currently in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. This package is meant to expand supports for foster youth and help prevent homelessness and hunger.

This bill package includes:

• AB 2764 creates uniform eligibility standards for Extended Foster Care programs statewide to protect housing for foster youth and prevent homelessness.
• AB 2765 increases state-level food assistance and directs the California Department of Social Services to seek federal waivers and maximize exemptions.
• AB 2766 expands priority registration and housing for foster youth and homeless students while aligning housing deposits and fee payment timelines with financial aid disbursements.
• AB 2767 creates a statewide standard to improve the Family Finding process and helps place children with relatives.
• AB 2768 requires higher education institutions to defer unpaid enrollment fees and other costs for foster youth until financial aid is disbursed.
• AB 2769 expands California's Adoption Assistance Program support to families with foster kids in high school through their graduation, or up to the student turning 19 years old.

For me, this issue is personal. Growing up, my family and I relied on state support for housing, food and education. I know what it's like to go to bed hungry and how frightening it is to search for a safe place when you are experiencing homelessness. This bill package will help give California's 60,000 foster youth their best chance of success.

Warmly,

Patrick Ahrens
Assemblymember, District 26