AB 252 STEM Classes, AB 1378 Senior Property Tax Break Bills Passes Senate Committees

Two bills authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) advanced July 8, 2015 in Senate Committees.

Faced with a lack of diversity in science and math classes, AB 252 would establish a grant program to help school districts meet the costs associated with creating Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The bill passed out of Senate Education today on a vote of six to one.

“AP courses give students exposure to rigorous college-level work and prepare them for college and career success,” stated Assemblymember Holden. This bill would create an opportunity for underrepresented students to pursue the flourishing STEM fields by bringing more Advanced Placement courses to their respective high schools.”

The Senate Governance and Finance Committee approved Assemblymember Holden’s bill to give seniors a break on their property tax bills. AB 1378 would expand eligibility for when seniors sell or downsize by allowing both spouses to retain their own separate tax claims for transfer of a principal residence.

Currently, California seniors over 55 and disabled adults are permitted to transfer the assessed value of their present home to a new home – but only one spouse or partner can claim the tax transfer. AB 1378 ensures both property owners in a recognized partnership are entitled to the base tax transfer.

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