Cooper Introduces Bill to Expand Funding for After-School Programs
SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) introduced Assembly Bill 2663. The bill will increase funding to California’s After School Education and Safety program for low-income children.
“We must continue to invest in education and support students, especially those in disadvantaged communities,” said Assemblymember Jim Cooper. “After-school programs provide essential and meaningful academic and enrichment activities for students and help keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.”
The After School Education and Safety (ASES) program supports over 4,000 elementary and middle schools by offering after-school and summer programs to more than 400,000 students daily. The program operates at underserved schools with more than 80 percent of students participating in free and reduced-price meal programs.
AB 2663 will increase state funding to offset the costs of recent minimum wage increases and for the first time, will provide ASES with a statutory cost-of-living adjustment similar to other state programs.
AB 2663 is sponsored by California After School Coalition and will be heard in the Legislature in the coming months.
Assemblymember Cooper represents the Cities of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, and Lodi.
Cooper Introduces Bill to Expand Funding for After-School Programs - Assemblymember Jim Cooper Representing the 9th California Assembly District: 
