Preschool Data Bill Wins Bipartisan Committee Support in Legislature

An important state bill sponsored by LAUP to make information on preschool availability part of the education data published by the state Department of Education has taken a significant step forward.

AB 495, introduced by Assemblyman Mike Davis, won bipartisan support in the Assembly Education Committee, passing on a 9-1 vote. The simple, cost-effective steps mandated by the bill will expand access to high-quality preschool without significantly affecting the state's budget.

"At this time of incredible state deficits, it is unlikely that the shortage of preschool spaces will be adequately addressed," said Dr. Gary Mangiofico, CEO of LAUP. "But, with this bill, California can get a better handle on the scope of the problem and prepare families for the day when the state's financial situation has rebounded and the state can once again invest in high-quality preschool."

At the committee hearing, Assemblyman Davis spoke about the importance of this measure and was supported by LAUP's COO, Dr. Celia Ayala. Her testimony reminded the committee that a significant amount of data is collected and published by the Department of Education on K-12 programs, but that similar information is lacking about the status of programs for children before they enter kindergarten.

Also testifying in support of the bill was a representative of the Child Development Policy Institute, and Zafira Firdosy, an LAUP preschool provider from La Puente who spoke about the personal importance of making this information available.

The bill will next be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which will analyze its impact on the state's finances. To register your support for AB 495, contact the chair of the committee, Assemblyman Kevin de León (D–Los Angeles) at:

P.O. Box 942849
Sacramento, CA 94249-0045
(916) 319-2145 (fax)

Questions about the bill may be addressed to Adam Sonenshein, Public Affairs, at 213-416-1283 or at asonenshein@laup.net.

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