The Republican Party of Riverside County

Assembly Democrat Bill is Passed While Bipartisan Senate Bill Held

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Education Committee Vice Chair Brian Nestande, R-Palm Desert, today expressed concern about the passage of Assembly Bill 5x 8 (Brownley) from the Fifth Extraordinary Assembly Education Committee while the bipartisan Senate Bill 5x 1 (Romero) was held. Both measures propose to make California more competitive in capturing a share of federal dollars for education reform.

“The Assembly had a rare opportunity today to pass SB 5x 1 and be part of a national movement to promote excellence in our schools,” said Nestande. “Unfortunately, Assembly Democrats are out of line with reforms being implemented in other states and encouraged by the Obama Administration. Their no vote on this measure was a no vote for innovation and accountability.”

Senate Democrats and Republicans joined together last month to pass SB 5x 1 (Romero), a reform plan that empowers parents, improves low-performing schools and gives every child a first rate education. This plan is supported by charter schools, school reform advocates and Governor Schwarzenegger. However, Assembly Democrats rejected the Senate plan and are instead pushing AB 5x 8 (Brownley), a plan favored by union bosses and other special interests that puts California’s Race to the Top competitiveness at risk.

“While I appreciate the efforts of my Assembly Democrat colleagues to improve our public schools, it seems special interest politics got in the way of doing what’s best for our kids,” said Nestande. “AB 5x 8 fails to make true reforms and leaves our schools with the status quo – which is failing our students.”

SB 5x 1 and AB 5x 8 attempt to make California competitive for “Race to the Top,” a $4.35 billion federal program announced by President Obama earlier this year.  The program is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to encourage reform and innovation in our public schools.  Since Race to the Top funds are to be given only to states that meet specific criteria and are judged to have a strong commitment to reform, the types of reforms that are passed are crucial to California’s chances.

Assemblyman Nestande proudly serves the communities of Canyon Lake, Indian Wells, Lake Elsinore, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Riverside, Temecula, Perris, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee, Hemet, Anza, Idyllwild, Bermuda Dunes, Mountain Center and Woodcrest.