Though this is not a typical CWA issue, it is one that is very worthy of our support and that we have high hopes of winning with your help.
SB 1457, Released Time Education Credit, would enable school boards to allow students to spend additional time on “Released Time” studies. This will, in turn, give school boards discretion to consider certain programs for elective credit toward a student’s high school graduation. This can include religious instruction.
This bill is a great opportunity to promote civility, wisdom, morality, truth, and love within a child’s education all while getting school credit.
“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” ~Abraham Lincoln
On March 30, this bill failed to come out of the Senate Education Committee on a tie vote of 4 to 4. The author of the bill, Sen. Mike Morrell (R-District 23), had made some amendments that should satisfy the committee and that we find acceptable. It is expected to go back to the Education Committee as early as the end of this week or sometime next week. Click here for the status of the bill.
The Senate Education Committee members need to hear from you!
Now one member of the committee, Sen. Richard Pan (D-District 6 Sacramento), abstained from voting on SB 1457. Though we are happy that he didn’t vote against this good bill, we know that he has the potential to vote for it based on his voting record on somewhat similar bills. If you live in the Sacramento area, please make an extra effort to contact him. He could be the one to make all the difference.
Please pray for God to move the heart of all the committee members, especially Sen. Pan as He does rivers of water. “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” ~Proverbs 21:1, NASB
Please act:
- Call and/or e-mail or fax each member of the Senate Education Committee. Remind them that studies reveal that in those districts that allow this program, student academics are much higher than in districts that do not promote this program. Also, the drop-out rate is much lower as is the suicide rate. Receiving credit for this release time will encourage more students to take advantage of the program. Encourage him to vote Yes on the bill. Click here for their name and contact information. Respectfully make your case for them to vote in favor of SB 1457, Released Time Education Credit.
- If you live in the Sacramento area, please contact Sen. Richard Pan. In addition to the information in the previous paragraph, mention that you are aware that he abstained from voting and would like for him to vote in favor of SB 1457 when it returns to committee. Be very kind and when calling thank the individual with whom you spoke.
E-mail: sd06.senate.ca.gov/contact/email
Phone: (916) 651-4006
Fax: (916) 651-6906
- Forward this e-mail on to like-minded California friends and family.
Thank you in advance for your prayers and action on this important bill!