After the great group of LEV supporters at the press conference earlier, I was no longer worried about our showing before the Senate Early Learning & K-12 committee.
The hearing just ended and it was packed! There were so many people (parents and children alike!) that staff had to open up an overflow room. The committee heard testimony on several bills today so we had to wait a while, but it was well worth the wait. We had close to a dozen parent advocates testify in support of SB 5444. Everyone who spoke, did so with great passion and determination.
It was clear today that students, parents and advocates will not accept anything less than bold action this session. SB 5444 and HB 1410 provide a framework for a quality 21st centruy education system. The time for change is now!
One thing that is compelling about the testimony is the diversity. From the top of the SBE to parents, from teachers to law enforcement. Communities united in the cause of reform.