Kamlager-Dove, Chu Convene Roundtable with State Lawmakers and Los Angeles Community College District Leaders to Spotlight Challenges for Higher Education

LOS ANGELES, CA - Today, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) convened a roundtable discussion at Los Angeles Trade Technical-College with State Senator Sasha Renee Perez (SD-25), Assemblymember Mike Fong (AD-49), and leaders from the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) to examine challenges in higher education and solutions to tackle them.

The roundtable brought together key leaders and stakeholders, including the LACCD Board of Trustees President and Student Trustee, the LACCD Chancellor, the President of the Los Angeles College Faculty Guild, college presidents, faculty, and students. Participants highlighted current issues impacting community college students, such as housing insecurity, rising costs, and limited access to reliable technology, worsened by recent federal funding cuts to education and basic needs programs. The roundtable examined how these cuts contribute to ongoing difficulties in higher education and explored potential solutions to improve access, affordability, and career pathways for community college students.

"My start in elected office began as a member of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. I've seen too many students forced to choose between putting food on the table, visiting a doctor, and paying for their education, and that is just wrong," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. "Students should have the opportunity to fully focus on their studies and future without the constant struggle to make ends meet. Today, I was proud to convene local, state, and federal partners to explore strategies that expand access to higher education and ensure that students have the resources they need to succeed."

"As a proud former professor in the Los Angeles Community College District, I'm grateful to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove and to LACCD for hosting this important conversation on higher education access, affordability, and jobs," said Rep. Judy Chu. "Students today are paying more for their education while graduating into an economy with fewer opportunities. While the Trump administration continues to threaten federal funding for higher education, Democrats will keep pushing not just to protect current programs but also for long-term solutions that truly support students and make higher education more affordable. From fighting to double the Pell Grant, investing more in career and technical education, reauthorizing and strengthening the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, expanding access to SNAP for college students, and advocating for tuition-free community college for all, I am proud to stand with my colleagues to fight for a future where higher education is accessible to everyone."

"We extend our deep appreciation to Rep. Kamlager-Dove for her leadership in organizing today's Congressional Roundtable," said Dr. Kelsey Iino, President, Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. "Higher education is more than just enrollment; it involves ensuring that students can afford to stay in school and successfully transition into well-paying careers. Today's roundtable showcased the power of collaboration between community colleges, elected leaders, and our partners to develop policies that expand access, reduce barriers, and create pathways to opportunity for all students."

"I am grateful to the elected officials and colleagues from the Los Angeles Community College District who joined today's dialogue on making higher education an accessible opportunity for all," said Dr. Alberto J. Roman, Chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor. "Community colleges must act boldly to keep education viable for every student. Many students face the critical question: 'Can I afford to stay in school?' Access to essentials like textbooks, childcare, housing, and transportation greatly impacts their success. Today's roundtable emphasized the importance of keeping higher education affordable and accessible."

"Los Angeles Trade Tech, like many community colleges across the country, is preparing students for jobs that fuel our economy," said Dr. Alfred McQuarters, President, Los Angeles Trade Technical College. "Today's roundtable underscored the importance of advancing policies that expand student access to higher education and workforce training."

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