Lawmakers weigh stabilizing ELOP Tier 2 rates and data needs for older students
April 30, 2026 | California State Senate, Senate, Legislative, California
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The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education reviewed the governor's proposal to provide $4.7 billion in ongoing Proposition 98 funding for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) and discussed policy changes meant to stabilize LEA planning and program delivery.
Elise Perez of the Department of Finance summarized the governor's ELOP proposal, including a $62.4 million ongoing Proposition 98 allocation to provide a $1,800 minimum Tier 2 rate in 2026-27 for LEAs that do not meet the Tier 1 threshold. Dylan Ocasio of the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended going further by setting a fully fixed Tier 2 rate (the LAO suggested $1,579 based on recent rates), arguing that uncertainty complicates LEA program planning.
Committee members raised whether ELOP should be expanded to include older students beyond TK-6. CDE representatives said the governor's budget does not propose an expansion, that ELOP is locally apportioned through LEAs and site plans, and that new CALPADS reporting and an upcoming biannual CDE report (expected mid-2027) will provide clearer data on age groups served and program outcomes.
Senator Chua Bogue relayed constituent and teacher concerns that ELOP lacks required measurable outcomes tied to the funding and suggested greater transparency and possible LCFF base funding alternatives to allow local discretion. LAO and DoF staff explained the tradeoffs: embedding funding in LCFF increases flexibility but risks program erosion, while a standalone ELOP ensures a minimum program offering statewide.
No formal action was taken. Committee members asked staff for follow-up information on ELOP plans, CALPADS reporting results and options for stabilizing Tier 2 rates in a way that balances predictability with fiscal constraints.
Elise Perez of the Department of Finance summarized the governor's ELOP proposal, including a $62.4 million ongoing Proposition 98 allocation to provide a $1,800 minimum Tier 2 rate in 2026-27 for LEAs that do not meet the Tier 1 threshold. Dylan Ocasio of the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended going further by setting a fully fixed Tier 2 rate (the LAO suggested $1,579 based on recent rates), arguing that uncertainty complicates LEA program planning.
Committee members raised whether ELOP should be expanded to include older students beyond TK-6. CDE representatives said the governor's budget does not propose an expansion, that ELOP is locally apportioned through LEAs and site plans, and that new CALPADS reporting and an upcoming biannual CDE report (expected mid-2027) will provide clearer data on age groups served and program outcomes.
Senator Chua Bogue relayed constituent and teacher concerns that ELOP lacks required measurable outcomes tied to the funding and suggested greater transparency and possible LCFF base funding alternatives to allow local discretion. LAO and DoF staff explained the tradeoffs: embedding funding in LCFF increases flexibility but risks program erosion, while a standalone ELOP ensures a minimum program offering statewide.
No formal action was taken. Committee members asked staff for follow-up information on ELOP plans, CALPADS reporting results and options for stabilizing Tier 2 rates in a way that balances predictability with fiscal constraints.
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