Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/381166
Advocacy Legislation Oct. 20 is the deadline to register to vote. You can register online at registertovote.ca.gov. For election information and resources, visit cta.org/campaign. To see your personalized voter guide, visit cta.yourvoterguide.com. GO ONLINE R E M E M B E R — your vote makes a difference. Help elect lawmakers who will fund public schools and support all students and educators. Know that when you cast your vote for CTA-recommended candidates, you vote for those who will support teaching and learning issues. Your vote makes a difference! CTA's recommendations for the Nov. 4 general election Elections have consequences in legislation As bills head to the governor's desk, we see what a difference our votes can make for our students. A S Y O U R E M I N D colleagues to register to vote and educate yourself on can- didates and issues, keep in mind that what happens in Sacramento and at your local board meetings impacts what happens in your school. Here are just a few of the issues CTA has been working on for you as the two-year legislative session wrapped up. Mandatory kindergarten CTA believes in providing students with a quality education beginning the very moment they get to our schools. CTA is sponsoring AB 1444 because kindergarten provides students with much-needed early learning that prepares them to succeed throughout their academic careers. Because kin- dergarten attendance is currently voluntary, too many students — including many ethnic minorities, English learners, and students living in low-income homes — start first grade at a significant disadvantage. CTA's only sponsored bill this year is headed to the governor, and your contacts with the governor's office will be crucial to boosting the chances he will sign the measure. AB 1444, by Assembly Education Chair Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) and Assembly Member Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), would require completion of kindergarten prior to entering first grade. Language acquisition program, bilingual education The governor is expected to sign CTA-backed SB 1174, a measure by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) that gives parents or legal guardians the right to choose a language acquisition program that best suits their child, which could include bilingual education. The measure rolls back onerous provisions of Prop. 227, the English- only initiative. If the governor signs the bill, the measure will appear on the ballot in November 2016. EpiPen volunteers Despite objections of the education community, the Assembly approved SB 1266 by Sen. Bob Huff (R-Di- amond Bar), which requires schools to allocate limited financial resources to stockpile multiple epinephrine injec- tors at school sites. Educators who "volunteer" would be required to administer the prescription to students. Edu- cators believe schools need to provide school nurses who are fully trained in this area. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32. VOTE VOTE 30 www.cta.org