SACRAMENTO -  The California State University (CSU) recently announced naming Assemblymember Hector De La Torre (D- South Gate) as its 2007 Legislator of the Year.  The award will be issued on March 19, 2007 during the CSU annual alumni legislative day.

The CSU cited Assemblymember De La Torre’s efforts to expand Cal Grants to underserved populations as the impetus for the award.  Last year De La Torre authored Assembly Bill 2813 which increased the age cap for applications for community college transfer Cal Grants from 24 to 27. 

This year De La Torre is authoring Assembly Bill 302 which provides grants for fees and tuition for Cal Grant B recipients in their first year of college.  Currently Cal Grant A recipients receive awards for fees and tuition for all four years, yet Cal Grant B recipients do not.

"With the cost of higher education continuously rising, it is important to increase aid to keep college affordable," said De La Torre.  "Students attending our California public universities will be hit with fee increases this year.  We in the Legislature can help them by providing adequate financial aid for qualified students."

Chancellor Charles B. Reed stated "Assemblymember De La Torre has been a champion for higher education.  We are very pleased to recognize his hard work to expand critical education opportunities for students."

Cal Grant awards are state funded grants given to students to help pay for college expenses.  The current Cal Grant programs provide financially needy students with funds to cover costs at community colleges, public four-year institutions, and private colleges and universities.

Assemblymember De La Torre also partners with the CSU and the Student Aid Commission in hosting an annual college conference and fair in his district in Southeast Los Angeles County.