Making an Impact in Sacramento: Our Advocacy in Action

Making an Impact in Sacramento: Our Advocacy in Action

Thu Aug 08 15:11:00 PDT 2024

The visit to Sacramento was a crucial opportunity to have our voices heard as well as to provide firsthand insights and recommendations to lawmakers on key issues facing the education system.

As your County Superintendent, I'm thrilled to share insights from our recent visit to the state capital. Our meetings with eight assembly and senate officials underscored the vital role Los Angeles County Office of Education plays in advocating for our districts. I was also thrilled to have our student board member Jimena Mendez and Board Members Yvonne Chan and Betty Forrester join our lobbyist Pam Gibbs and her team on our visits.

The visit to Sacramento was a crucial opportunity to have our voices heard as well as to provide firsthand insights and recommendations to lawmakers on key issues facing the education system.

One of the primary focuses was addressing staffing shortages, which have had a significant impact on schools' ability to provide high-quality education. Additionally, we discussed expanding educational opportunities for juvenile court school students. These vulnerable youth often face significant barriers to academic success, and it's crucial that lawmakers understand the unique needs of this population and allocate resources to create more equitable learning environments for them.

Promoting civic engagement in grades 1-8 was another key topic. Developing students' civic knowledge and skills at an early age is crucial for preparing them to be engaged and informed citizens. Finally, we explored creating pathways for the State Seal of Civic Engagement. This recognition can incentivize and validate students' civic accomplishments, encouraging them to become active participants in their communities.

A Proven Track Record

Our reputation precedes us. A recent CalMatters story ranked LACOE 7th among the top 105 most effective lobbying organizations that took positions on more than 25 bills since January 23, 2023, in California. This isn't just a statistic-it's a testament to our commitment to the interests of the students, educators and families of Los Angeles County.

The Secret to Our Success

Our achievement stems from our dedicated Government Relations team based in Sacramento. They're our eyes, ears, and voice in the corridors of power. Their mission? To advocate, monitor, liaise, inform, and make crucial recommendations on legislation that impacts our schools.

Your Voice, Amplified

When I meet with legislators, we're not just representing our office - we are channeling the collective voice of our county's educators, students, and families. Our unique position allows us to bridge the gap between local needs and state-level decision-making.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to navigate the complex landscape of education policy, rest assured that LACOE is working tirelessly to influence positive change. Our success in Sacramento translates directly to better support and resources for our districts.

With Gratitude

I want to thank the following legislators for engaging us in great conversations. We've also had the honor of hosting some of these legislators on our Schools on Point conversations over the years.

• Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi
  District: 66th Assembly District
• Assembly Member Mike Gipson
  District: 65th Assembly District
• Assembly Member Chris Holden
  District: 41st Assembly District
• Senator Steven Bradford
  District: 35th Senate District
• Assembly Member Luz Rivas
  District: 43rd Assembly District
• Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco
  District: 64th Assembly District
• Assembly Member Isaac Bryan
  District: 55th Assembly District
• Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas)
  District: 28th Senate District

Together, we're not just adapting to change-we're driving it.

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