Update from meeting with Senator McGuire

Hello supporters!

We had great meeting with Senator McGuire yesterday. Following are the details;

Process:  Senator identifies two possible routes, (1) administrative, and (2) legislation.  Senator hopes that we will be able to go the administrative route. The administrative route simply sets some rules & regulations to be followed after a public comment period, without needing legislation.  

HOWEVER, we are concerned about a lack of funding with the administrative route.  The legislative route may offer funding alternatives, but may also delay results. WIth legislation, an “urgency” clause can be included to expedite legislation, but that requires a two-thirds vote, requiring both Democrats and Republicans.  That should not be a hindrance with an issue such as this.

Proposition 51 money has been difficult to access under the control of Governor Jerry Brown.  Additionally, each school district has to apply for it, have matching funds, etc. That may not be the funding solution.  

Advisors/Resources:  

California Air Resources Board
WE RECOMMENDED California may benefit from establishing a Childrens Environmental Health Protection and Advisory Council.  The Council established by the State of Maryland may be a good model.

Senator Goals:  Setting an AQI standard level for school closures.  The two pieces of that may be (1) outdoor AQI, and (2) indoor AQI.  Establishing an outdoor standard will be much simpler, while indoor will be the “heavy lifting.”  

We are concerned there will not be enough focus on indoor AQI. IF PUBLIC SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN DURING HIGH AQI DAYS THEN THE BUILDINGS AND CLASSROOMS MUST MAINTAIN A HEALTHY AIR QUALITY INDEX FOR OUR STUDENTS, FACULTY, and ADMINISTRATION. 

We are under the impression our schools are providing a safe environment for our youth, educators, and administrators who spend 8-10 hours a day in these environments. It is our job to ensure accountability.

 Timeline:

The California Department of Education is currently in transition with a new incoming Superintendent of Public Instruction.
12/31/2018: by year end, Senator hopes to have an internal meeting with California Department of Education, and Air Resources Board (the science arm)
1/7/2019: Legislature reconvenes
1/31/2019: by end of January 2019, Senator hopes we can meet/conference call again for an update.  

Keep sharing, keep advocating. The reason Senator McGuire took the meeting is because of our voices!

My next update will include the individuals and organizations endorsing our initiative. 

Best,

Holly