Rep. Cisneros Praises Appropriations Committee Passage and Increase of Funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions Like CSUF

Press Release

Representative Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. (CA-39) praised Committee passage of legislation that will provide an increase of funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) across three House Appropriations Subcommittee bills. After the President proposed to eliminate and cut funding for several HSI programs, Rep. Cisneros and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaqin Castro (TX-20) led a letter in support of strong funding levels for HSIs, like Cal State Fullerton. The letter was signed by 63 House members and endorsed by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Rep. Cisneros also testified before the House Appropriations Committee urging an increase in funding.

"Hispanic Serving Institutions, like Cal State Fullerton, play an important role in supporting Hispanic students and closing the education gap. I was disappointed to learn that the President wanted to eliminate and cut funding for HSI programs, especially since they continue to be underfunded," said Rep. Cisneros. "I'm glad the Appropriations Committee is providing and increasing funding for HSIs following my letter with Chairman Castro. During a time filled with uncertainty, investing in education provides stability and support for our students and community."

On July 9, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2021 Appropriations Act for the Department of Agriculture, which includes $13 million for Education Grants for Hispanic Serving Institutions under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This represents an increase of $1.8 million above the FY 2020 funding level and $3.8 million above the President's Budget Request.

On July 13, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2021 Appropriations Act for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, which includes $155.1 million for the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions program and $13.6 million for the Promoting Post-Baccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans programs, an increase of $12 million an $761,000 respectively over the FY 2020 funding level. The President had proposed eliminating dedicated funding for both programs.

On July 14, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2021 Appropriations Act for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and Science, which would provide $48 million for Hispanic Serving Institutions under the National Science Foundation, an increase of $3 million above the FY 2020 funding level and $33.9 million above the President's Budget Request.

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