Volume 34, Number 4 http://bit.ly/cKt79h March 2010
www.capta.org
Our Purpose: To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.
Welcome to the new electronic Sacramento Update.
From the Director of Legislation
PTA launches three-pronged approach to California education funding crisis
By Debbie Look
Director of Legislation
In response to the Governor's budget proposal to cut a further $2.5 billion from education funding and the ongoing chronic underfunding of California's public schools, California State PTA is undertaking a three-pronged plan for action.
To read the entire article, click here.
Parcel tax initiative:
Will PTA be the first to qualify an all-volunteer initiative?
By Debbie Look
Director of Legislation
It's a widely accepted fact of political life that qualifying an initiative for the ballot in California cannot be accomplished without using paid signature gatherers. But we're hoping to defy the conventional wisdom and break new ground by relying on volunteer power alone to qualify an initiative for the November 2010 ballot.
To read the entire article, click here.
Education
PTA supports exciting new programs for engaging and preparing students for careers and college
By Nancy Vandell
Legislative Advocate - Education
In the midst of tightening budgets, providing a high-caliber education that links learning to careers and college is a priority for the California State PTA. Two efforts with related goals deserve our attention: Career-Technical Education and Mulltiple Pathways.
To read the entire article, click here.
Community Concerns
Should we be concerned about teen violence?
By Patty Christiansen
Legislative Advocate - Community Concerns
She was 16 years old and attending her high school homecoming dance when she became a statistic of teen violence. The school courtyard was dark, but she ventured across it anyway to reach the pay phone to call her dad for a ride home. She never made it to the phone.
To read the entire article, click here.
Parent Involvement
Alcohol and babies: A deadly combination
By Michael Butler
Legislative Advocate - Parent Involvement
Fetal alcohol syndrome, caused by drinking during pregnancy, is a major cause of developmental disabilities and birth defects in the United States. And it is completely preventable.
To read the entire article, click here.
Health
Governor takes action to fight obesity in children
By Shayne Silva
Legislative Advocate - Health
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his commitment to fight childhood obesity at his Governor's 2010 Summitt on Health, Nutrition and Obesity: Actions for Healthy Living. During the conference, he stated that his top priorities are the health and well-being of our children and all Californians.
To read the entire article, click here.
Education
STEM: A critical new acronym for California's future
By Patty Scripter
Legislative Advocate - Education
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is an acronym that draws strong statements, such as the following: "Without strong steps to improve support for STEM, the quality of life in California is threatened."
To read the entire article, click here.
California budget
Proposition 58 Special Session bills sent to Governor
By Cecelia Mansfield
Legislative Advocate - Budget and Education Finance
On Monday, February 22, the Proposition 58 Special Legislative Session called by the Governor in response to California's fiscal crisis passed a set of measures to narrow the state's budget gap. Actions taken in the 8th Extraordinary Session met the requirements of Proposition 58 that the Legislature act within 45 days of the Governor's declaration of a fiscal emergency.To read the entire article, click here.
Federal issues
Reauthorization of ESEA - We need it now!
By Kayla Plourde
Federal Advocate
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is overdue for reauthorization, and in its current state, continues to punish California's schools without giving them the tools to provide the education our children need.To read the entire article, click here.
Sacramento Update is published five times a year by the California State PTA.
E-mail: legislation@capta.org. Website: www.capta.org.
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