JOINT LEGISLATIVE ALERT UPDATE – May 11, 2012
From: Roy Hanson–Family Protection Ministries and Mike Smith–HSLDA
Bill: AB 2203 (as amended 4/24/12) – 5-Year-Old Compulsory Education
Author: State Assembly Member V. Manuel Perez
Position: Strongly OPPOSE
Thanks for your important phone calls!
Status: The Assembly Appropriations Committee decided on May 9th to postpone the final committee vote on AB 2203 until near the end of May. We will keep you updated as further information becomes available. Please be alert, as we may need your help again in the near future.
Summary of Concern:
AB 2203 would lower the compulsory education age from 6 to 5 years of age, in effect making kindergarten mandatory. Many children, especially boys, will experience adverse effects for a long period of time from being forced into a formal education program at age five. This critical education decision must remain with the parents. AB 2203 also would take another incremental step toward forcing a mandatory state-licensed preschool program for all 3 and 4-year-olds.
Action Items:
No action is needed at this time. A big thank you to those who contacted the Assembly expressing your opposition to the bill.