Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/776907
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE New Law Gives Veterans-Turned- Educators Additional Sick Time CTA-supported Senate Bill 1180, by state Sen. Hannah- Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), was signed into law by Gov. Brown in September. It helps disabled military veter- ans who are newly hired in public schools by giving them additional sick leave of up to 10 days for certificated, and up to 12 days for classified, employees in their first year of employment. Disabled veterans who become school employees on or after Jan. 1, 2017, are eligible. The sick leaves are for the purpose of undergoing medical treatment for illness or injury related to military service. Proposed Budget: Higher Education Gov. Brown's proposed 201 7-18 budget allocates $14.6 billion for higher education, including financial aid. The Universit y of California system receives an increase of $83 million, or 2 .5 percent ; the California State Universit y system receives an increase of $185 million, or 5.3 percent . Communit y colleges receive an increase of $121 million. The California Faculty Association found the budget wanting. "[We're] disappointed that Gov. Jerry Brown once again has failed to fully invest in the California State University, and in doing so, ignored the CSU Board of Trustees' request of a $343.7 million increase in state funding for the CSU system this fiscal year," said CFA President Jennifer Eagan in a statement. " This is funding that is critical to delivering quality education to our nearly half-million students attending ' The People's University.' " Eagan continued: "Not only are our students now fac- ing the lack of investment from the state, but also could be facing proposed tuition hikes due to lack of state funding. This shortfall shouldn't be balanced on the backs of our students, many of whom are low-income, the first in their families to attend college, and increasingly are students of color." Both UC and CSU asked for more funding, and plan modest tuition increases this coming fall. Brown's budget also came under criticism for phasing out a 3-year-old program providing middle-class schol- arships to UC and CSU students. The budget renews scholarships for 37,000 current recipients but offers no new assistance after that. "We must work to keep college affordable for Califor- nia students," said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). "I will not support burdening them with higher fees and greater student debt." advocacy 40 cta.org 20062 School of Education apu.edu/explore/education Attend an information meeting on March 23 at 6 p.m. at any APU campus location. Register today at apu.edu/education/meetings/. Teachers See the Possibilities In Jennifer Swanson's high school English class, seniors master material that prepares them for college and careers, gaining writing and communication skills to benefit them throughout their lives. Azusa Pacific's School of Education prepares educators like Jennifer to see and cultivate the potential in every student. Graduates go on to make a lasting difference as creative, collaborative professionals and dedicated advocates for those they serve. Advance your calling with a master's or doctoral degree, credential, or certificate from a top Christian university and join a mentoring community of educators who will help you make an even greater impact. Programs available online and at locations throughout Southern California 6 Arroyo High School, Expository English Class, Teacher: Jennifer Swanson '96, M.A.Ed. '99