State Issues

Education

Support an educational system that prepares people for jobs and careers.
 

AB 2656 Forming an Academic Crisis & Management Asst. Team (May 2006)
 

The Chamber is monitoring AB 2656. AB 2656 would establish ACMAT, a unit of persons having Extensive experience in school district management. An operations, budgeting, personnel administration, and the design and operation of instructional programs.

AB 2859 School Accountability
 

The Chamber supports AB 2859 because this bill amends Edu. Code 1240 to explicitly state that a County Superintendent has oversight responsibility for the academic achievement of pupils attending school districts under his or her jurisdiction. State Board of Education. Will establish standards and criteria by which to evaluate effectiveness of County Superintendent oversight on or before 6/30/07.

If the state Superintendent determines the county superintendent has failed to carry out his or her oversight responsibilities as required by code, districts within their jurisdiction are authorized to contract with a neighboring county or the regional system of district and school support for academic oversight at no additional cost to the district

Support and promote programs that provide incentives for local companies to hire vocational students.
 

Pre-School Education for All Act (January 2006)
 

The Chamber opposes the Pre-School Education for All Act. The act adds a 1.7% additional tax on all taxable income over $800,000 for couples, and $400,000 individuals. The state superintendent will oversee the program. This will allow all California children go to pre-school if they are eligible.

Campus Pointe Center (February 2006)
 

Fresno State University is looking to build a Campus Pointe Center on the Clovis-Fresno border, going in next to the Save Mart Center at Highway 168, which has arrived as a partnership between Fresno State and private investors. Campus Pointe will include a 240-room hotel, 180 units of senior housing and 342 apartment units. It will also ultimately feature 160,000 square feet of retail space, even more office space, and a 2,700-seat movie theater.
 

The Fresno Chamber Board of Directors approved a resolution that generally opposes the expansion of governmental influence into areas normally run by the private sector.
 

The GAC will continue to follow this issue once the Environmental Impact Report is issued

Contact Kerri Ginis, the Chamber's Government Affairs Manager for more information at (559) 495-4818 or kginis@fresnochamber.com