Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/2864
“The Public School Invest- ment and Accountability Act would ensure that taxpayer money is directed toward stu- dent learning and is focused in the classroom,” said CTA President David A. Sanchez. “California has now slipped to 47th in the country in per- pupil funding, and we will fall further behind under the gov- ernor’s latest state budget pro- posal to cut $10.8 billion from Mitch Olson, president of the Kern High School Teachers Association, addresses Council. public education. The future of an entire generation of stu- dents is at stake, and we can’t fail them. If the governor and Legislature won’t take action, we must.” The new $5 billion to $6 billion generated annually from the initiative could be spent to reduce class sizes in all grades; to provide adequate and up-to- date textbooks and materials; provide quality teacher training; to hire additional counselors, librarians and critical education support staff; to restore arts and career technical programs; and to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers. None of the money could be spent on administrat ive costs, and misuse of funds would be punishable by law. Before casting their votes in favor of the initiative, delegates voiced concerns about broad- ening the initiative to include funding for all higher educa- tion. Council also urged CTA to explore other long-term ac- tions to solve the budget crisis and to work to make sure that In other action, State Council: • • • • • • Unanimously re-elected CTA President David A. Sanchez and Vice President Dean E. Vogel to second and final two-year terms beginning June 26. Elected Peg Myers as NEA Alternate Director to fill a term end- ing Aug. 31, 2009. Re-elected NEA Directors Claire J. Merced (District 2), Margie Granado (District 7), Darla Bramlette (District 8), Jim Rogers (District 9), and Charlie Young (District 15), and elected Kath- erine Underwood (District 11), all for three-year terms starting Aug. 31, 2009. Recognized United Educators of San Francisco for winning the Jose Colmenares Award for outstanding public relations. Heard a presentation from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues Advisory Committee on how to support and advise students struggling with gender identity. Received materials to help local members participate in this year’s March 2 Read Across America program, whose theme is “Reading is Cool.” K-14 and the California State University are both adequately funded and do not have to con- tinually undergo chronic fund- ing shortfalls. The vote by the State Coun- cil of Education means that signature gathering to place the initiative before voters can begin should a special election be called in November 2009. CTA filed the initiative in De- cember in order to qualify for the ballot. Visit www.cta.org/issues/current/ Budget_Crisis_2008-09.htm for additional information and to read the full text of the initiative. Lawmaker to introduce new universal health care bill A newly elected state senator is pledging to introduce a new version of a compre- hensive health care reform bill this legislative year aimed at pro- viding all Californians with affordable coverage. Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) is picking up the torch that was carried by for- mer Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-San- ta Monica), who worked tire- lessly to pass universal health care legislation. Kuehl was forced to leave office this year because of term limits. Sen. Leno’s staff has told CTA representatives that the new measure will entail a com- prehensive restructuring of current health care programs. The new measure will aim to create an improved health care delivery system that will not be plagued by skyrocketing costs and that will provide coverage to all Californians. CTA has been a longtime vigorous advocate for improved health care programs. In fact, with the help of CTA, other unions and consumer groups, last year Sen. Kuehl was able to move her own universal health care bill, SB 840, to the gover- nor’s desk. Unfortunately, Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill, his second veto on similar pro- posals authored by Kuehl. The new bill’s introduction, expected to occur as the Educator went to press, will virtually as- sure that proponents of health care reform will have a chance to make their voices heard on this vital issue during the cur- rent legislative session. The issue of expanded and affordable health care is a vital one to educators and private and public sector employees. In addition to the financial impact on employees, limited and ex- pensive health care has also harmed students in the sense that those individuals with un- treated medical conditions are hampered as they try to learn. While the exact provisions of the 2009 version of the health care reform bill were not available at press time, the mea- sure will be reviewed by CTA’s policy-making body, the State Council of Education, whose members will decide what po- sition to adopt on the bill. Len FeLdman Photo by Cameron Burbank