Asks for Assembly Reconsideration of SB 606 as Soon as Possible

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today urged the Assembly to quickly reconsider and pass SB 606 [http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/postquery?bill_number=sb_606&sess=CUR&house=B&author=perata] (Outside Source) by Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland), which would prevent the reversion of millions of dollars in federal funds targeted to assist Title I schools:

"Today the Assembly Republican Caucus disappointed more than 1.5 million schoolchildren by failing to approve SB 606, which was heard on the Assembly floor. This measure would provide $47 million in critically needed federal funds to 97 school districts across the state. Almost a year ago, I notified the Legislature that we ran the risk of losing more than $15 million targeted for California's neediest schools if the Legislature and the Governor did not act to appropriate available federal funds. This situation has now reached a critical point. We are now at serious risk of having to return almost $19 million to the federal government if these funds aren't quickly appropriated.

"In the midst of a budget crisis that is already unfairly affecting public education in California, failure to approve SB 606 would be egregiously irresponsible. Schools across the state are making cuts in light of the state budget shortfall. The Title I funds at stake would help schools improve teaching and learning for some of our neediest children, including students living in poverty, those learning English, and those with disabilities. The loss of these funds would seriously impede Title I schools' ability to effectively educate their students and close the achievement gap."

“I appreciate Assembly members Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton), Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City), Shirley Horton (R-San Diego), and Audra Strickland (R-Camarillo) for the courage to put the needs of public school children ahead of partisan politics. Time is of the essence in this matter. I strongly urge the other members of the Assembly Republican Caucus to realize what is at stake here and to pass SB 606 as soon as possible.”