Newsom vetoes bill to make kindergarten mandatory, citing costs

Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed Senate Bill 70, saying it had a “laudable” intent but would have cost California up to $268 million a year. In his veto message, Newsom said that though the intent to make kindergarten compulsory is “laudable,” it would cost the state up to $268 million each year. “We must prioritize existing obligations and priorities, including education, healthcare, public safety and safety-net programs.” California California lawmakers approve bill to make kindergarten mandatory, again A bill approved by the state Senate would require children to complete kindergarten before entering first grade, beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Senate Bill 70, written by state Sen. Susan Rubio, would have required children to complete a year of kindergarten before entering first grade, beginning in the 2024-25 school year. “Now we want to do everything we can to close the opportunity gaps as quickly as possible — making kindergarten mandatory is more important than ever for doing just that.” The bill’s sole opposition was from California Homeschool Network, which said mandating another year of education was a state overreach that limits parent choice.