BATs LEGISLATIVE TEAM WEEKLY UPDATE

FEDERAL UPDATE

1.  "The Senate could vote on a bipartisan compromise bill to renew child nutrition programs in the next few weeks; the House has yet to take up child nutrition reauthorization, but may do so next month. The Senate bill largely preserves the current guidelines for healthy school meals, expands the farm-to-school program, enhances the summer food program, and provides an extra snack for kids in child care settings."

2.   "President Obama will release his FY2017 budget proposal on Feb. 9, followed by the House Republican budget resolution before the end of the month."


3.  FEDS threaten opt out parents and fuel the opt out movement http://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Feds-issue-reminder-Test-students-or-risk-losing-6790900.php


http://www.nea.org/home/61524.htm

STATE UPDATES

ARIZONA

AZ is muting all public comments on our state budget!!!  http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/arizona/politics/2016/01/26/arizona-house-committee-public-comment-budget-hearings/79194710/?from=global&sessionKey&autologin

IDAHO

Proposed amendment could weaken public education  http://idahoea.org/hotline/proposed-amendment-could-weaken-public-education/    HERE IS THE BILL   http://idahoea.org/hotline/hjr-1-would-open-door-to-vouchers-tax-credits/

MASSACHUSETTS

Glimmer of hope against more charters in Massachusetts from State Senator President Stan Rosenberg against the proposals from charter-lover Gov Charlie Baker.  http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_politics/2016/01/rosenberg_knocks_bakers_push_to_hike_charter_school_cap

OHIO

Horrible news from the Ohio General Assembly. HB420 was proposed to ensure that students who opt-out do not count against schools/districts. It was highjacked and is still in the House Ed. Committee. Amended House Bill 420 proposes to set into law these words, “No employee of a school district or public school shall negligently suggest to any student, or parent, guardian, or custodian of that student, enrolled in the district or school that the student should choose to not take any assessment prescribed by section 3301.0710 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.” Violation of this law is termination, loss of license, and a criminal record.

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