Legislative News

The Colorado Department of Education is trying to do a better job of communicating with the public. Anyone can sign up to get press releases by going to this website: www.cde.state.co.us

The new Director of online instruction is Pam Hoppe-Ice. State Board Member, Schaffer, wants to put a question on the November agenda about instructional time. Funding is based on 5-minute passing periods and lunch is not included. This could mainly affect districts that have master contracts. The new legislative liaison is Ann Barkis. One of the things added to their legislative priorities for 2008 was to the School Trust Lands section, allowing the State Treasurer flexibility on investments.

On the federal level, discussion has been held regarding the State Children's Health Insurance Program. This was vetoed by President Bush. National PTA is working with the Coalition on Human Needs to get the veto overridden. Discussion has also taken place to the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind. There are several bills in the works. Senator Ken Salazar has proposed one, as has Representative George Miller from CA. There was a conference call for all National PTA federal leg. reps on Nov. 6. Dolly Handel, as the new federal leg rep for CO, participated.