CALIFORNIA

CALIFORNIA 2001

SB 554 Update

On October 14, 2001, Governor Davis vetoed SB 554, the senate bill authored by Vasconcellos calling for the development of a master plan for service learning in higher education and the formation of a statewide service-learning center. The Governor offered the following message with the veto.

To Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 554 without my signature. This bill would require the California Postsecondary Education Commission to develop a Master Plan for Service Learning, and would establish a Statewide Service Learning Center within the proposed Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism. It would also expand the Student Academic Partnership Program from grades K-6 to K-12. This bill would appropriate $148,350 to comply with the service learning provisions. It would also result in pressure to provide permanent funds for the Center. This bill would also create pressure to provide at least $4 million Proposition 98 General Fund to backfill one-time federal funding under Goals 2000 currently provided for grades 7-12 under the Student Academic Partnership Program. In 1999, I sent a written request to the U.C., C.S.U. and community colleges to encourage public service as part of their curricula. In part because of my request, all segments of higher education operate programs that encourage community service and incorporate active learning opportunities, such as service learning, into student courses. Therefore, this program is unnecessary. For these reasons and given the rapid decline of our economy and a budget shortfall of $1.1 billion through the first three months of this fiscal year alone, I have no choice but to oppose additional General Fund spending. Sincerely, GRAY DAVIS

Governor Davis Supports Mccain-Bayh Bill to Expand AMERICORPS

Call to Service Act of 2001 Will Recruit Members to Provide Public Safety

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gray Davis today announced his support for the "Call to Service Act of 2001," proposed by Senators John McCain (R-Arizona) and Evan Bayh (D-Indiana) that would expand the AmeriCorps program for the purpose of increasing homeland security and other public safety programs.

"Now is the ideal time to volunteer to serve your country and state," Gov. Davis said. "I support AmeriCorps work. I believe in expanding the program to take advantage of the renewed spirit of patriotism."

The Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism (GO SERV), which funds AmeriCorps members in service programs throughout California, expects to expands its public safety programs if this legislation passes. AmeriCorps is the domestic Peace Corps which provides education awards to volunteers.

The Call to Service Act of 2001, S.1792, was introduced on December 10, 2001 and aims to make national service available to every young person. As written, the bill will require GO SERV and other state agencies to determine new ways of using national service programs for emergency management. This legislation will revamp national service programs and expand the opportunities for Americans to serve by increasing the number of AmeriCorps members. Currently, more than 50,000 individuals serve in AmeriCorps. The legislation expands the number of AmeriCorps members to 250,000 by 2010, which will allow more communities to reap the benefits of service.