It's a well-worn cliche, but it's true. One of the smartest things anyone can do is invest in the future.
Gov. Jerry Brown, willing to follow that adage on many important issues, has the chance to do it for education by signing Assembly Bill 47. Authored by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, the bill would go a long way toward ensuring every 4-year-old in California can attend preschool.
Bill on Governor’s Desk for his Signature
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 47, the Preschool for Act (Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento) with strong bi-partisan support 67 to 1. It now moves to the Governor for his consideration. This measure establishes a framework to provide all eligible low income 4-year olds with access to the state preschool program contingent upon funding in the Budget Act.
“We owe it to our future to prepare all of our children to succeed in school and in life,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “California has the opportunity to provide each of our low-income children access to quality preschool. We hope the Governor shares this same vision.”
Is the Golden State "golden" for kids?
According to a recent study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, California ranks 38th in the nation when it comes to the well-being of its children. Researchers estimate that 23 percent -- almost one of every four -- children in this state are currently living in poverty.
Why do a district attorney and a retired vice admiral care? We care because we understand that the steps we take today to address poverty will have a lasting impact on both public safety and national security in the long run.
Bill Would Expand Access to All Eligible Kids
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed Assembly Bill (AB) 47, the Preschool for Act (Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento) on a 5 to 2 vote. This measure establishes a framework to provide all eligible low income 4-year olds with access to the state preschool program contingent upon funding in the Budget Act.
“Preschool prepares children for the next step, ensuring that children are ready to start school and be successful,” said Assemblymember McCarty. “AB 47 bill will ensure that we keep the promise made to our preschoolers last year and provide each of our low-income children access to quality preschool.”
Lawmakers' attempt to entice the University of California to enroll 5,000 more Californians by promising an extra $25 million has failed this year — in-state admissions actually declined — but the state's offer will stand for one more year.
Concerned that the coveted public institution is closing the door to so many Californians this year while admitting record numbers of students from out of state, lawmakers invited UC admissions officials to address a joint hearing of the Assembly's Education Finance and Higher Education committees Wednesday.
