Bill Seeks to Ensure at Least 95% of Funding Reaches Classrooms

Legislation to ensure that no less than 95% of all local, state and federal funds received by school districts reaches the classrooms has been introduced in the Assembly.

“The education system in California is shameful,” said Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar), author of the bill (AB 2516). “We have failed to invest in our kids--and it shows.”

One of the main problems, Katz said, is too much school aid goes to administrators and not enough to teachers and educational aids from which students directly benefit.

GOVERNOR

Appointed former Republican Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter of Palm Desert, a nurse, to the California Medical Assistance Commission. Commission members are paid $49,875 a year. The appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

ASSEMBLY

Committee Action

* South Africa: The Ways and Means Committee approved a bill (AB 2448) by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) to lift the ban on investment of state trust funds in businesses that operate in South Africa now that apartheid has apparently been abolished. A 14-0 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

* Parental Liability: The Judiciary Committee approved a bill (AB 308) by Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) to increase the amount for which a parent is liable for malicious property destruction by a minor child from $10,000 to $25,000. An 11-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Bill Introductions

* Murder Impact Evidence: AB 2510 by Assemblyman Bruce McPherson (R-Santa Cruz) would allow prosecutors to present evidence in murder trials to show that a killer’s actions also inflict harm on people other than the decedent.

* Firearm Fees: AB 24X by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (D-Fremont) would impose a $50 fee for each firearm owned on July 1, 1995, except for firearms held as inventory by gun dealers.

* Destruction of Firearms: AB 23X, by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (D-Fremont), would require firearms confiscated by law enforcement agencies to be destroyed rather than resold to raise money.

* Campaign Contributions: AB 2503 by Assemblyman Larry Bowler (R-Elk Grove) would require last-minute contributors to political candidates or proposed ballot measures to also report the cumulative amount given to the candidate or ballot measure during the last 12 months.

* Depositing Campaign Contributions: AB 2504, by Assemblyman Larry Bowler (R-Elk Grove), would prohibit campaign contributions of $500 or more from being deposited in a political candidate’s account unless the name of the employer, if any, and occupation of the contributor is provided.

* Ticket Brokers: AB 2513 by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey) would increase penalties for ticket brokers who fail to deliver tickets at the agreed prices for events such as the Rose Bowl game. The bill was sparked by a host of disappointed Wisconsin fans who flew to Southern California only to find promised tickets were not available or available only for two or three times the agreed prices.

* Holocaust Week: ACR 82 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) would designate the week of April 10-16 as California Holocaust Memorial Week.

SENATE

Floor Action

* South Africa: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 34-0 vote a bill (SB 1285) by Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) to repeal state law prohibiting investments of state trust funds in businesses that operate in South Africa now that apartheid apparently has been abolished.

Bill Introductions

* Gun Control: SB 1293 by Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) would allow cities and counties to regulate the sale, transfer, use and possession of firearms.

* Secretary of State: SCA 35 by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp (I-San Francisco) would make the office of secretary of state nonpartisan.

MISCELLANEOUS

* New Committee Assignments: Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) has appointed Assemblyman Louis Caldera (D-Los Angeles) to chair the Banking and Finance Committee and Assemblywoman Juanita McDonald (D-Carson) to chair the Insurance Committee for the 1994 session.

Readers who wish to communicate with legislators regarding Assembly and Senate bills can write to them at the State Capitol Building, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.