Public Policy
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations whose goal it is to influence the debate Washington.
Featured Stories
New Style of Conservation Spans Kentucky and Tennessee Border
LEXINGTON, Kentucky, April 24 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news, dated April 22:
Lexington, KY, and Nashville, TN - On April 18, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced it has arranged the acquisition of 100,000 acres of working forestland in the globally significant Central Appalachian Mountains of southeast Kentucky and northeast Tennessee. The property, known as "Ataya," represents one of the largest land conservation and ecological restoration projects TNC has targeted in the Central Appalachians. The transaction included approximately two million tons of carbon offsets eligible
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LEXINGTON, Kentucky, April 24 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news, dated April 22:
Lexington, KY, and Nashville, TN - On April 18, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced it has arranged the acquisition of 100,000 acres of working forestland in the globally significant Central Appalachian Mountains of southeast Kentucky and northeast Tennessee. The property, known as "Ataya," represents one of the largest land conservation and ecological restoration projects TNC has targeted in the Central Appalachians. The transaction included approximately two million tons of carbon offsets eligiblefor the California cap-and-trade market.
TNC aims to manage the property as a working forest, using sustainable forestry practices to improve and maintain the health of the forests. The project aims to protect wildlife habitat, secure clean water for people and nature, and sequester atmospheric carbon to mitigate climate change, all while fostering important investments in local economies.
"The Ataya acquisition represents a deep investment in the Central Appalachians - its forests, its wildlife, its streams, its economy, and its communities - and a significant win for nature and people," says David Phemister, state director for TNC in Kentucky. "As a land conservation opportunity alone the scale of this project is impressive, but this is much more than a land deal. Fundamentally the project seeks to demonstrate that sustainable forestry can yield both smart conservation and good business, potentially creating a model that TNC, partners and communities could replicate across the Appalachians."
The Central Appalachians are home to a confluence of conservation values: a globally significant biodiversity hotspot, a major North American migratory corridor, and important watersheds. The property has been identified by TNC scientists as climate-resilient and contains 200 miles of headwater streams. The property is home to more than 100 species of Greatest Conservation Need (GCN) according to state wildlife action plans, including the little brown bat, eastern meadowlark, black sandshell mussel, cerulean warbler, black mountain salamander, and many more. The property also provides crucial headwater protection for the federally endangered Kentucky arrow darter.
"One of the unique aspects of this project is that it recognizes the importance that this area provides to people and the local communities," says Terry Cook, state director for TNC in Tennessee. "Kentucky and Tennessee forests have a tremendous economic impact, generating billions of dollars of economic activity and tens of thousands of jobs. Additionally, these lands support growing outdoor recreation opportunities. In Kentucky and Tennessee the annual economic impact of outdoor recreation exceeds $13 billion and $20 billion, respectively."
In addition to their ecological importance, the forests and streams on the property influence water quality and public water supplies in portions of Bell, Knox and Leslie counties in Kentucky, and Claiborne and Campbell counties in Tennessee. The property provides a critical linkage between the North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area in Tennessee and the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Kentucky Ridge State Forest in Kentucky. All of these areas represent core habitat along the Cumberland-Pine Mountain corridor, which is projected to be one of the most important migratory corridors in the face of a changing climate. Many people currently use and enjoy the property for hiking, hunting, and other outdoor recreation pursuits. In taking on this project, TNC is committed to connecting its conservation work to the needs and interests of local communities.
As is common in this region, ownership of the property is divided in two: a surface estate, which was acquired in this transaction, and a sub-surface mineral estate, which will continue to be owned by third parties. TNC has no control over those parties' mining activities on the property. TNC aims to work with regulators and mining companies using a collaborative, science-based approach to advocate for best environmental practices and restoration that can minimize the impacts of mineral extraction.
As the surface owner, an affiliate of TNC expects to receive compensation for any impacts these existing mining operations have on the property's forests and infrastructure, and can direct those funds to restoration and conservation activities on the property. In addition, the surface owner is expected to receive royalties, which the affiliate plans to contribute in their entirety to third-party community organizations to support local economic and community development efforts.
This project is being supported in part by a Program-Related Investment loan from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF).
"We're excited to make the largest single investment in the Foundation's history to help protect this essential piece of the Appalachains, North America's most critical climate migration corridor," said Sacha Spector, program director for the environment at DDCF. "This project offers a spectacular demonstration of how land conservation and restoration at this scale can safeguard wildlife, support a community's livelihoods, and secure the climate resilience of an entire region."
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit http://www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
National Housing Conference Statement on HUD's Undocumented Immigrant Policy
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The National Housing Conference, a 501(c)3 non-profit that educates decision makers and the public about housing policies and practices, issued the following news release, dated April 22:
The National Housing Conference (NHC) strongly opposes recent moves by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a proposed rule that would divert limited public housing resources towards evicting undocumented family members from public housing.
"HUD is in the housing business, not the un-housing business. It's a tremendous distraction of resources when HUD is struggling
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WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The National Housing Conference, a 501(c)3 non-profit that educates decision makers and the public about housing policies and practices, issued the following news release, dated April 22:
The National Housing Conference (NHC) strongly opposes recent moves by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a proposed rule that would divert limited public housing resources towards evicting undocumented family members from public housing.
"HUD is in the housing business, not the un-housing business. It's a tremendous distraction of resources when HUD is strugglingto maintain its current stock of public housing and already understaffed and underfunded," said David M. Dworkin, president and CEO of NHC.
"The way to create more affordable housing is to build more affordable housing," said Dworkin, "not create more homeless people."
The National Housing Conference has been defending our American Home since 1931. #OurAmericanHome @natlhousingconf
About NHC: The National Housing Conference has been defending the American Home since 1931. We believe everyone in America should have equal opportunity to live in a quality, affordable home in a thriving community. NHC convenes and collaborates with our diverse membership and the broader housing and community development sectors to advance our policy, research and communications initiatives to effect positive change at the federal, state and local levels. Politically diverse and nonpartisan, NHC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
NCOIL President Announces Four Part Legislative Staff Training
MANASQUAN, New Jersey, April 24 -- The National Conference of Insurance Legislators issued the following news release, dated April 22:
In collaboration with The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL)is pleased to announce a newfour-part"Fundamentals of Insurance for Legislative Staff" training program.
"An NCOIL staff training programin collaboration with The Institutes Griffith Foundation isa natural extension of the work we've done together to educatelegislators" said LA. Sen. Dan "Blade" Morrish, NCOIL President. "Like myself,
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MANASQUAN, New Jersey, April 24 -- The National Conference of Insurance Legislators issued the following news release, dated April 22:
In collaboration with The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL)is pleased to announce a newfour-part"Fundamentals of Insurance for Legislative Staff" training program.
"An NCOIL staff training programin collaboration with The Institutes Griffith Foundation isa natural extension of the work we've done together to educatelegislators" said LA. Sen. Dan "Blade" Morrish, NCOIL President. "Like myself,so many legislators are term limited and this program is a resource so staff understands insurance public policywhen legislators with long insurance committee service are termed-out and retire."
Thenon-partisan, non-advocativeprogram will consist of an introductory webinar on May 14that 2 pm ET,two in-person trainings at the 2019 NCOIL Summer Meeting in Newport Beach, CA on July 12th,and a concluding webinar in the fall. The schedule is below:
Session I-Risk Management and Insurance Overview for Public Policymakers: Examining the application, social utility, and fundamental workings of RMI. This 90-minute webinar is on May 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Please register here -https://griffithfoundationwevents.webex.com/griffithfoundationwevents/onstage/g.php?MTID=eff0a07bd921281347ca0058ea8372b3c.
Session II-Understanding the Risk Management process:Exploring risk management techniques, products and pricing. In person training on July 12that the 2019 Summer Meeting.
Session III-Analyzing and Evaluating Emerging Trends and Risks: Viewed through the lens of the risk management process for Public Policymakers.In person training on July 12that the 2019 Summer Meeting.
Session IV-Understanding Insurance Regulation and Legislation: Discussing our U.S. based system.Webinar on September 16th. Link to be provided closer to the event.
"In addition to this staff training participation, NCOIL and The Institutes Griffith Foundation will continue to partner to educate legislators" saidCommissioner Tom Considine, NCOIL CEO. "Each yearthis collaborative relationship becomesmore productive in educating public policymakers,and now staff."
"The Institutes Griffith Foundation is pleased to collaborate with NCOIL on this four-part series," said Frank Paul Tomasello, Senior Director at the InstitutesGriffith Foundation. "At the core of this effort is a commitment to delivering unbiased educational offerings thatinform public policymakers'staff."
NCOIL and The Institutes Griffith Foundation havecollaborated to educate policy makersfor more than two decades. In recent years, the collaborative effort has included educational webinars and in-person training programs at NCOIL meetings.
NCOIL is a national legislative organization with the nation's 50 states as members, represented principally by legislators serving on their states' insurance and financial institutions committees.NCOIL writes Model Laws in insurance and financial services, works to preserve the State jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act seventy-four years ago, and to serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties.Founded in 1969, NCOIL is celebrating its 50thyear working to assert the prerogative of legislators in making State policy when it comes to insurance and educate State legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.
The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-advocative educational organization dedicated to providing unbiased information about risk management and insurance through educational programs targeting students and public policymakers. The Griffith Foundation is affiliated with The Institutes, the leader in delivering proven knowledge solutions that drive powerful business results for the risk management and property-casualty insurance industry. For more information, visit GriffithFoundation.org.
The Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, non-advocative educational organization dedicated to providing unbiased information about risk management and insurance through educational programs targeting students and public policymakers. The Griffith Foundation is affiliated with The Institutes, the leader in delivering proven knowledge solutions that drive powerful business results for the risk management and property-casualty insurance industry. For more information, visit GriffithFoundation.org.
NCL Statement on Florida Drug Importation Legislation
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release, dated April 22:
As the nation's pioneer consumer organization, the National Consumers League (NCL) strongly supports consumer access to safe, effective, and affordable prescription drugs. However, NCL is concerned that the new Florida legislation currently being contemplated, House Bill 19, which would allow for imported prescription drugs from Canada to be sold in Florida, would make the public vulnerable to counterfeit and/or substandard drugs, putting patient health and safety at risk.
Counterfeit medications
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WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release, dated April 22:
As the nation's pioneer consumer organization, the National Consumers League (NCL) strongly supports consumer access to safe, effective, and affordable prescription drugs. However, NCL is concerned that the new Florida legislation currently being contemplated, House Bill 19, which would allow for imported prescription drugs from Canada to be sold in Florida, would make the public vulnerable to counterfeit and/or substandard drugs, putting patient health and safety at risk.
Counterfeit medicationsmade with deadly ingredients have been found in more than 40 states across America, posing a significant public health threat. There is no way to ensure that drugs purporting to come from Canada actually come from Canada. An FDA evaluation of non-FDA-approved imported drugs revealed that "while nearly half of imported drugs claimed to be Canadian or from Canadian pharmacies, 85% of such drugs were actually from different countries." Allowing importation will only serve to exacerbate the challenge of preventing counterfeit drugs from reaching American patients.
Every head of Health and Human Services and the FDA for the last 18 years has refused to certify the safety of drug importation. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb recently expressed his concerns regarding the bill, warning that just because an importer claims "a drug is from a physical Canadian pharmacy, too often that's false advertising." NCL fears that authorizing importation would expose consumers to unknown risks and undermine the security of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.
Rather than considering misguided importation proposals, NCL encourages the Florida legislature to pursue other strategies to ensure the affordability and accessibility of safe and effective prescription drugs.
About the National Consumers League
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit http://www.nclnet.org.
Minnesota State High School League Agrees to Settlement in 'Girls Only' Dance Team Rule
MAPLEWOOD, Minnesota, April 24 -- The Pacific Legal Foundation issued the following news release, dated April 22:
The Minnesota State High School League has agreed to permanently rescind its discriminatory rule that kept Dmitri Moua and Zach Greenwald sidelined during high school dance competitions. The League's move comes in the wake of a preliminary injunction recently issued by a federal appellate court against the enforcement of its bylaws that declare competitive dance a "girls only" sport.
"We are extremely pleased with the League's decision to rescind the discriminatory rule," said PLF
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MAPLEWOOD, Minnesota, April 24 -- The Pacific Legal Foundation issued the following news release, dated April 22:
The Minnesota State High School League has agreed to permanently rescind its discriminatory rule that kept Dmitri Moua and Zach Greenwald sidelined during high school dance competitions. The League's move comes in the wake of a preliminary injunction recently issued by a federal appellate court against the enforcement of its bylaws that declare competitive dance a "girls only" sport.
"We are extremely pleased with the League's decision to rescind the discriminatory rule," said PLFSenior Attorney Joshua Thompson. "For us, this case has always been about giving all Minnesota students the opportunity to dance. This settlement ensures that not only will our clients get to dance this year, but so will boys statewide. We are grateful for Dimitri and Zach's courage to fight for their constitutional rights and are proud of their accomplishment."
In their lawsuit filed last July, Dmitri, a Roseville High School 11th-grader, and Zach, a Hopkins High School 11th-grader, argued that the Constitution's equal protection guarantee protects them from blatant sex-based discrimination.
Pacific Legal Foundation represents Dmitri and Zach free of charge. More information is available at pacificlegal.org/dance.
Colorado's Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program Gets Green Light
DENVER, Colorado, April 24 -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network issued the following news release, dated April 22:
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- Colorado Lawmakers Take Steps to Reduce the Burden of Cancer in Colorado by Renewing Treatment Program for 10 Years
* * *
The Colorado House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1302 to reauthorize Colorado's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Program through 2029. The bill has enjoyed strong bipartisan support, passing the House with a vote of 52-12 and now awaits Senate action. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
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DENVER, Colorado, April 24 -- The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network issued the following news release, dated April 22:
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- Colorado Lawmakers Take Steps to Reduce the Burden of Cancer in Colorado by Renewing Treatment Program for 10 Years
* * *
The Colorado House of Representatives today passed House Bill 1302 to reauthorize Colorado's Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Program through 2029. The bill has enjoyed strong bipartisan support, passing the House with a vote of 52-12 and now awaits Senate action. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network(ACS CAN) and Komen Colorado support this legislation to help low-income, uninsured and underinsured women in Colorado access lifesaving cancer treatments.
"Under the federal health care law, more women have access to preventive cancer screenings and treatments, but many gaps still remain for people who are uninsured or under-insured due to affordability, literacy and language-related barriers," said R.J. Ours, Colorado government relations director for ACS CAN. "This critical program will provide access to lifesaving cancer treatment for low-income, uninsured women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer."
Uninsured women have lower cancer screening rates - only 31% of uninsured women (age 40 and older) have received a mammogram in the past two years, compared to 68% of insured women. Likewise, only 61% of uninsured women (21 to 65 years of age) have received a Pap test in the past three years, compared to 84% of insured women.
Colorado's Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Program (BCCP) pays for breast and cervical cancer treatment for uninsured or under-insured women aged 40-65 with breast cancer and aged 21-65 with cervical cancer who earn less than 250% of the federal poverty level. The BCCP is funded through a combination of state and federal funds to provide treatment to women through Colorado's Medicaid program.
House Bill 1302 reauthorizes the program and secures funding for the state program through 2029. Additionally, the legislation will:
* Extend the program's sunset date from 2019 to 2029.
* Continue eligibility for Colorado woman to qualify for the treatment program regardless of the location of diagnosis.
* Fund the state portion of projected program expenses for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund from revenue collected from the sale of the state's breast cancer license plate.
Although breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in females in the United States, if caught early, the survival rate for the disease is 99%. Treatment is also more effective and less expensive if caught in the early stages. However, if breast cancer is diagnosed at a late stage, the survival rate falls to just 25%. This year, nearly 4,200 Colorado women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 610 women will die from it.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society's nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit http://www.fightcancer.org.
Californians Are Divided on Charter Schools
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 24 -- The Public Policy Institute of California issued the following news release:
LACK OF STATE K-12 FUNDING RAISES CONCERN, MOST SAY TEACHER SALARIES ARE TOO LOW
Californians have a split opinion on charter schools, with roughly equal shares supporting and opposing them. And while most believe that parents in low-income areas should have the option of sending their children to charter schools, there is a high level of concern that charter schools take state funding away from traditional public schools. These are among the key findings of a statewide survey released
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 24 -- The Public Policy Institute of California issued the following news release:
LACK OF STATE K-12 FUNDING RAISES CONCERN, MOST SAY TEACHER SALARIES ARE TOO LOW
Californians have a split opinion on charter schools, with roughly equal shares supporting and opposing them. And while most believe that parents in low-income areas should have the option of sending their children to charter schools, there is a high level of concern that charter schools take state funding away from traditional public schools. These are among the key findings of a statewide survey releasedtoday by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
Californians hold mixed views on charter schools, with 49 percent of adults in favor and 46 percent opposed. Support is somewhat higher among public school parents, with 59 percent in favor and 38 percent opposed. Across racial/ethnic groups, Latinos (51%) and whites (50%) are more likely than Asian Americans (43%) and African Americans (36%) to favor charter schools in general.
Overwhelming majorities (75% adults, 81% public school parents) say it is very important or somewhat important for parents in low-income areas to have the option of sending their children to charter schools. However, 64 percent of adults and 75 percent of public school parents say they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about charters diverting state funding away from traditional local public schools. Majorities of adults across all regions express this view, with those in Los Angeles (71%) being the most likely to express concern.
"Charter public schools get mixed reviews," said Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO. "Many Californians say it is important to have the option of a charter school, but there are concerns about the fiscal impacts on traditional public schools."
Following last month's passage of Senate Bill 126, which requires more transparency in charter school operations, nine in ten adults say it is very or somewhat important for charter schools to operate with the same transparency and accountability as traditional public schools.
This survey is the first time PPIC has used a fully online survey methodology. This approach allows the survey to examine more issues and go into greater depth than telephone polling, while maintaining PPIC's high standards for quality and rigor. PPIC will continue to use telephone polling for the bulk of its survey work for the foreseeable future, given current limits in random probability samples for large online surveys in California and the reliability and proven track record of live telephone interviews. For details, see the methodology section of the survey report or this recent blog post.
Most Want Governor to Make K-12 Education a Priority
Three-quarters of Californians (75% adults, 76% likely voters) say Governor Newsom should place a very high priority (34% adults, 36% likely voters) or a high priority (41% adults, 40% likely voters) on the state's K-12 public education system. At least seven in ten adults across all regions and across age, education, income, and racial/ethnic groups say K-12 should be a high or very high priority. Most Californians (55% adults, 60% likely voters) would like Newsom to change to different K-12 policies, rather than continue those of his predecessor, Jerry Brown. Solid majorities of Republicans (77%) and independents (61%) want a change, compared to less than half of Democrats (46%).
Majorities of Californians support Newsom's K-12 budget proposals to allocate $3 billion in one-time spending to pay down the California State Teachers' Retirement System's (CalSTRS) unfunded liabilities (58% of adults approving) and provide $576 million to expand special education services and programs (70%). However, Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to approve.
"Most Californians say Governor Newsom should place a high priority on K-12 public education, but there are deep partisan divides on whether new policies are needed and which ones," Baldassare said.
Most Support Governor's Preschool and Kindergarten Proposals
Asked how important preschool is to academic success, an overwhelming majority of adults say it is either very important (46%) or somewhat important (32%). Solid majorities of adults (63%) and public school parents (81%) think the state should fund voluntary preschool for all four-year-olds.
In his proposed budget, Newsom allocates $125 million to expand full-day, full-year preschool to all eligible low-income four-year-olds and $750 million in one-time funds to increase full-day kindergarten programs. Both proposals are favored by majorities of Californians, with 64 percent supporting the preschool spending plan and 65 percent supporting the kindergarten proposal. As with the K-12 proposals noted above, Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to approve.
"Early childhood education is important to most Californians, and solid majorities support the governor's spending plans to expand preschool and full-day kindergarten," Baldassare said.
Solid Majorities Support Teachers' Strikes for Higher Pay
As teachers in multiple school districts across the state have gone on strike seeking higher pay, 61 percent of adults and 58 percent of public school parents say teachers' salaries in their community are too low. Solid majorities in the San Francisco Bay Area (70% of adults) and Los Angeles (65%) hold this view, as do more than half of adults in the Inland Empire (58%), Central Valley (53%), and Orange/San Diego (53%). Solid majorities approve of public school teachers striking for higher pay (61% adults, 70% public school parents). At least half of adults in all regions approve, with Los Angeles (70%) and the San Francisco Bay Area (62%) expressing the highest levels of support.
Nearly half of adults (48%) and a majority of public school parents (57%) say a teacher shortage is currently a big problem in California's K-12 schools. Far fewer Californians (31%) and public school parents (32%) believe that teacher quality is a big problem.
"Majorities say that teachers' salaries are too low and that they support teachers' striking for more pay," Baldassare said. "Californians are more concerned about teacher shortages than quality."
Most Support "Split Roll" Property Tax, Bond Measure to Fund Schools
A ballot measure eligible for the 2020 ballot would amend Proposition 13 to tax commercial (but not residential) properties at their current market rate, creating a "split roll" property tax system. Asked about a potential ballot measure that would make this change and direct some of the new revenue to K-12 public schools, majorities of adults (56%) and likely voters (54%) approve. In PPIC's January survey, which did not mention directing the revenue to any specific purpose, 47 percent of adults and 49 percent of likely voters approved.
Today, most adults (62%) and likely voters (57%) say they would vote yes on a state bond measure to pay for school construction projects. However, when asked about a state ballot measure that would lower the threshold--from two-thirds to 55 percent--for passing local parcel taxes for public schools, less than half of Californians (44% adults, 39% likely voters) approve.
"Majorities of California likely voters favor a state bond and higher taxes on commercial properties to raise school revenues, while lowering the local tax threshold receives less support," Baldassare said.
Asked to name the biggest issue facing the state's K-12 public schools, adults (18%) and public school parents (25%) are most likely to say lack of funding, followed by large class sizes (11% adults, 16% public school parents), standards/quality of education (10% adults, 7% public school parents), limited/poor curriculum (9% adults, 9% public school parents), and low teacher pay (5% adults, 1% public school parents). Most (56% adults, 59% likely voters, 63% public school parents) think the level of state funding for local public schools is not enough. Across racial/ethnic groups, African Americans (67%) are the most likely to say this, followed by Latinos (61%), Asian Americans (54%), and whites (52%).
Parents Value College, Worry about Affordability
Asked to name the most important goal for California's K-12 public schools, roughly a quarter of all adults say teaching students life skills (26%), and a quarter say preparing students for college (24%). Among public school parents, however, 44 percent say preparing students for college is most important--far more than any other goal.
An overwhelming majority of parents want their youngest child to get a college degree. Nearly one-half of California parents (46%) say they hope their youngest child obtains a graduate degree after college, and another third (33%) hope their youngest child attains at least a four-year college degree. However, a strong majority say they are either very worried (45%) or somewhat worried (34%) about being able to afford a college education for their youngest child.
"Many parents say that the goal of K-12 public education should be college and, while most want their children to go to college, they worry about being able to afford the costs," Baldassare said.
More Key Findings
* Californians are concerned about college readiness for students in low-income areas.--page 8
* Many adults (43%) and public school parents (56%) say they are very concerned that students in low-income areas are less likely than other students to be ready for college when they finish high school.
* Many worry about federal immigration enforcement's effect on students.--page 12
* Solid majorities of Californians (61% adults, 71% public school parents) are either very concerned or somewhat concerned that increased federal immigration enforcement efforts will affect undocumented students and their families in their local public schools.
* Possibility of mass shooting at local schools causes widespread concern.--page 12
* More than two-thirds of Californians (70% adults, 80% public school parents) are very concerned or somewhat concerned about the threat of mass shooting in their local schools.
* Opinions are mixed on local revenue measures to support public schools.--page 16
* A majority of adults (60%) and likely voters (56%) would vote yes on a local bond measure for school construction. However, support for a potential local parcel tax for public schools is below the two-thirds threshold needed to pass (46% adults, 44% likely voters).
* Most support Common Core and the state's K-12 school funding formula.--page 18
* Majorities of Californians approve of the Common Core State Standards (51% adults, 70% public school parents) and the Local Control Funding Formula (67% adults, 77% public school parents).
About the Survey
The Californians and Education survey is supported with funding from the Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation, the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, and the Stuart Foundation. It is the 15th annual PPIC Statewide Survey on K-12 education since 2005.
Findings in this report are based on a survey of 1,512 California adult residents conducted online using the Ipsos KnowledgePanel. Interviews took place from April 5-15, 2019. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish, according to respondents' preferences.
The sampling error, taking design effects from weighting into consideration, is +-3.5 percent for all adults, +-3.6 percent for the 1,289 registered voters, +-4.0 percent for the 1,035 likely voters, and +-7.8 percent for the 278 public school parents. For more information on methodology, see page 21.
Mark Baldassare is president and CEO of PPIC, where he holds the Arjay and Frances Fearing Miller Chair in Public Policy. He is founder of the PPIC Statewide Survey, which he has directed since 1998.
The Public Policy Institute of California is dedicated to informing and improving public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. We are a public charity. We do not take or support positions on any ballot measure or on any local, state, or federal legislation, nor do we endorse, support, or oppose any political parties or candidates for public office. Research publications reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our funders or of the staff, officers, advisory councils, or board of directors of the Public Policy Institute of California.
