Welcome to the Update Archives!
2005

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
March 3, 2005 Update

Legislative Analyst's Office Recommends Funding Reduction In the Community College 2006-07 State Budget
               [Posted 3-3-06]

LAO Recommends $1 Billion Less for Proposition 98 [Posted 3-3-06]

LAO Frames Key Issues for Legislative Hearings [Posted 3-3-06]

Governor Stresses His Support for Equalization Funding During a Visit to San Diego City College [Posted 3-3-06]

LAO Projects $2.3 Billion in Additional State Revenues--But Big Risks for State Budget [Posted 3-3-06]

Corporate Identity Theft Bill Signed by Governor [Posted 3-3-06]

Legislative Analyst Proposes Major Mandate Reform [Posted 3-3-06]

Senate Education Committee Recommendations to Bond Conference Committee [Posted 3-3-06]

Failure to Ratify: Is It Simply Being Out of Tough or Something Else? [Posted 3-3-06]

Legislative Analyst Weighs in on Retiree Health Benefits [Posted 3-3-06]

Ask SSC . . . Should We Budget for the 5.8% COLA? [Posted 3-3-06]

By the Way . . . Governor Appoints New Board of Governors Member [Posted 3-3-06]

By the Way . . . Voters Like Governor's $68 Billion Bond Plan, But Job Performance Rating Still Down
[Posted 3-3-06]

By the Way . . . Tom Henry Appointed to Head up Compton Community College [Posted 3-3-06]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
December 16, 2005 Update

State Revenues Continue to Outpace Projections [Posted 12-16-05]

UCLA Say No Recession [Posted 12-16-05]

Chancellor's Office Reports on Impact of Fee Increases and System Budget on Enrollment [Posted 12-16-05]

Community College Transfer Students May Lose Their Financial Aid Entitlement [Posted 12-16-05]

STRS Faces Fiscal and Policy Challenges [Posted 12-16-05]

School Transportation Drug Testing Issue Revisited [Posted 12-16-05]

Lawsuit Alleges Unfair Assessment of Nonresident Tuition by Higher Education [Posted 12-16-05]

IRS Issues 2006 Mileage Reimbursement Rate [Posted 12-16-05]

Guest Article: Health Benefits [Posted 12-16-05]

Ask SSC . . . How Much Information is a College Required to Give Students and Staff Regarding Violence on Campus? [Posted 12-16-05]

Ask SSC . . . What Information Must Be Included on an Employee's Paycheck? [Posted 12-16-05]

By the Way . . . Michael Genest Appointed Director of Finance by Governor Schwarzenegger [Posted 12-16-05]

By the Way . . . Vincent P. Brown Appointed Chief Deputy Director of Finance [Posted 12-16-05]

By the Way . . . The Bells Are Ringing [Posted 12-16-05]

Attachment A . . . Thrive [Posted 12-16-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
December 2, 2005 Update

LAO Forecasts a Less Dire--But Still Dicey--Budget Outlook [Posted 12-2-05]

Questions Regarding the LAO Report [Posted 12-2-05]

Chancellor's Office's 2006 State Legislative Program [Posted 12-2-05]

$20 Million for Career Technical Education Now Available [Posted 12-2-05]

Should Community Colleges Issue High School Diplomas? [Posted 12-2-05]

Board of Governors Certifies District Obligation for Full Time Faculty Hires [Posted 12-2-05]

Study Predicts Declining Incomes for State Residents [Posted 12-2-05]

Ask SSC . . . What Is Maintenance of Effort, and How Is It Measured? [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . FCMAT Conducts Retiree Benefits Survey [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . New Community College Board of Governors Member [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . Sacramento Superior Court Judge Rules Against Utilization of Obligation Bonds To Pay for Pensions [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . Commission Reaffirms Vote to Terminate Compton College's Accreditation [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . Californians Rank the Economy as the Number One Problem Facing the State [Posted 12-2-05]

By the Way . . . Governor Announces Appointment of Susan Kennedy [Posted 12-2-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
November 11, 2005 Update

Voters Overwhelmingly "Just Say No" to Initiatives [Posted 11-10-05]

Voters Reject "Live Within Our Means" [Posted 11-10-05]

Community College Local Bond Results [Posted 11-10-05]

"Cash Out" Refunding of General Obligation Bonds [Posted 11-10-05]

Is Becoming a College President in Your Future? [Posted 11-10-05]

California Unemployment Rate as Low as U.S. Rate [Posted 11-10-05]

Ask SSC . . . Will the $1.8 Billion in New State Revenue Trigger Higher Education Funding for Schools?
[Posted 11-10-05]

Ask SSC . . . How Many Years Should We Use in Calculating Career Earnings? [Posted 11-10-05]

Ask SSC . . . Must Schools with Fewer than 50 Employees Follow the FMLA Requirements? [Posted 11-10-05]

By the Way . . . Did You Know? [Posted 11-10-05]

By the Way . . . Senator Carole Migden Steps Down as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee [Posted 11-10-05]

Attachment A . . . . General Obligation Bond Election Results [Posted 11-10-05]

Attachment B. . . . Exploring the Complexities of "Cash Out" General Obligation Bond Refundings [Posted 11-10-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
October 28, 2005 Update

Assembly Bill 1646--Community College Omnibus Legislation [Posted 10/28/05]

New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Available January 1 [Posted 10/28/05]

Congress Looks to Reform the E-Rate Program [Posted 10/28/05]

Governor Vetoes Bill Extending Age of Dependent Health Coverage [Posted 10/28/05]

Ask SSC . . . Will Proposition 76 Increase School Funding? [Posted 10/28/05]

Ask SSC . . . Why Is the Projected Statutory COLA for 2006-07 So High? [Posted 10/28/05]

Ask SSC . . . What Is the Status of the CTA Lawsuit? [Posted 10/28/05]

Ask SSC . . . Do You Have Any Idea about the COLA for the Future? [Posted 10/28/05]

By the Way . . . PERB Rules that Political Flyers Cannot Be Put in Teachers' Mailboxes [Posted 10/28/05]

By the Way . . . November 8 Election Will Include Local Bond Measures [Posted 10/25/05]

By the Way . . . New Select Committee on Master Plan for Education [Posted 10/28/05]

By the Way . . . Another Initiative Cleared for Circulation for the 2006 Elections [Posted 10/28/05]

By the Way . . . Court Rules in Favor of State Takeover of Oakland [Posted 10/28/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
October 14, 2005 Update

Preliminary September Revenues Up Sharply [Posted 10/14/05]

Financial Projection Dartboard Updated For New Forecasts [Posted 10/14/05]

Final Recap of 2005 Legislative Session--Chaptered and Vetoed Legislation [Posted 10/14/05]

Community College Initiative [Posted 10/14/05]

California Community College Survey Results [Posted 10/14/05]

How Would Proposition 76 Affect Community Colleges? [Posted 10/14/05]

25 Days and Counting . . . [Posted 10/14/05]

Special Election Update: The Campaign Money Trail [Posted 10/14/05]

More on Independent Contractor Versus Employee Determinations [Posted 10/14/05]

Ask SSC . . . What's the Best Way to Develop a Uniform Salary Schedule? [Posted 10/14/05]

Ask SSC . . .  Are Restricted COLA Dollars Available for Salary Increases? [Posted 10/14/05]

Ask SSC . . . How Do We Determine "Normal Retirements" When Establishing a Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan? [Posted 10/14/05]

By the Way . . . Compton College Accreditation Update [Posted 10/14/05]

Attachment  . . . Community College Funding Survey [Posted 10/14/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
September 30, 2005 Update

Legislative Analyst Identifies $6 Billion Budget Gap [Posted 9/30/05]

Good Showing for August Revenues, But Hurricane's Aftermath Has Crippled Consumer Confidence [Posted 9/30/05]

Community College Legislation Signed Into Law by Governor Schwarzenegger [Posted 9/30/05]

SB 361 Community Colleges Funding Formula [Posted 9/30/05]

Dependent Health Care Coverage Costs Could Increase if AB 1698 is Signed [Posted 9/30/05]

Loss of Millions In Retirement Funds Prompts STRS to Audit More K-14 School Districts [Posted 9/30/05]

How do Student Enrollment Fees in California Compare to Those in Other States? [Posted 9/30/05]

Federal Update [Posted 9/30/05]

Education Statistics Projections--More Students, a Few More Dollars [Posted 9/30/05]

Ask SSC . . . What Do College Bookstores Have to Do to Meet the Requirements of AB 2477? [Posted 9/30/05]

Ask SSC . . . How Does Sick Leave Increase Retirement Benefits? [Posted 9/30/05]

Ask SSC . . . Will the IRS Increase Per Diem Rates? [Posted 9/30/05]

By the Way . . . U.S. Education Secretary Plans to Announce Higher Education Initiative [Posted 9/30/05]

By the Way . . . Acting Lottery Director Appointed [Posted 9/30/05]

By the Way . . . New Appointee to Commission on State Mandates [Posted 9/30/05]

By the Way . . . Recall Campaign to Oust Governor Schwarzenegger [Posted 9/30/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
September 16, 2005 Update

Legislation Sent to Governor to Assist Students Displaced By Hurricane Katrina [Posted 9/16/05]

Career Technical Education Funds Likely to Be Restored [Posted 9/16/05]

Governor Indicates Potential for Tax Increases if Proposition 76 Fails [Posted 9/16/05]

Special Election Update [Posted 9/16/05]

Ask SSC . . . Is the Ratio of Teachers to Students a Valid Bargaining Argument? [Posted 9/16/05]

Ask SSC . . . Do We Need to Begin the GASB Funding Process Before We Seek Taxpayer Approval? [Posted 9/16/05]

Ask SSC . . . How Does the STRS Earnings Limitation Work? [Posted 9/16/05]

Ask SSC . . . Can You Explain the Gann Limit Calculation? [Posted 9/16/05]

By the Way . . . Legislative Committee Rejects Request to Review Bond Sale Process [Posted 9/16/05]

By the Way . . . Director of Finance Takes Leave of Absence [Posted 9/16/05]

By the Way . . . Chancellor's Office Has New Staff for Federal Governmental Relations [Posted 9/16/05]

By the Way . . . IRS Mileage Rate Increased [Posted 9/16/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
September 2, 2005 Update

Budget Task Force Recommendations for the System's 2006-07 Community College Budget Request
[Posted 9-2-05]

State Revenues Are Up Since May Revision [Posted 9-2-05]

Legislation Proposed to Permit California Community Colleges to Exempt Victims of Hurricane Katrina From Paying nonresident Tuition [Posted 9-2-05]

Legislation Still Alive for This Year [Posted 9-2-05]

What Happened to SB 361 and SB 794? [Posted 9-2-05]

Mega Millions Legislation Inches Forward through Legislature [Posted 9-2-05]

No Action on New Proposed 75/25 Regulations Until November [Posted 9-2-05]

Cost of College Textbooks Rising [Posted 9-2-05]

Ask SSC . . . Can an Employee Also Be a Consultant for the Same District? [Posted 9-2-05]

Ask SSC . . . Does the Board Have to Adopt a Gann Limit Resolution as a Separate Item? [Posted 9-2-05]

By the Way . . . Three New Board of Governors Members Confirmed by Senate [Posted 9-2-05]

By the Way . . . Statewide Pool Shows Little Support for November Special Election, or for Governor, or for Legislature [Posted 9-2-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
August 18, 2005 Update

Lawsuit Filed to Enforce Proposition 98 Guarantee [Posted 8-19-05]

Legislature Returns to Sacramento for the Home Stretch [Posted 8-19-05]

CTA Backs Away From Controversial Split Roll Ballot Proposal [Posted 8-19-05]

Workers' Compensation Rate Continues to Trend Downward [Posted 8-19-05]

Ask SSC . . . What Happens to Funds Left Over in a Section 125 Plan? [Posted 8-19-05]

Ask SSC . . . Is it Permissible to Offer a Bonus to Teachers for Early Declaration of Retirement? [Posted 8-19-05]

Ask SSC . . . How Does a Total Compensation Formula Apply to Other Bargaining Units? [Posted 8-19-05]

By the Way. . . Unions Strike Back--Initiative to Limit Political Contributions by Corporations [Posted 8-19-05]

By the Way . . . Initiative to Tax High Income Taxpayers [Posted 8-19-05]

By the Way . . . Lottery Sales Increase--More for Schools [Posted 8-19-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
August 5, 2005 Update

Legislative Analyst's Office--Major Features of the 2005 State Budget [Posted 8-5-05]

2005 SSC Community College Financial Projection Dartboard Adopted Budget Edition (Revised July 28, 2005)
[Posted 8-5-05]

Legislative Counsel Opines that Special Election Can Be Cancelled [Posted 8-5-05]

Legislative Analyst Weighs in on Proposition 76--"Live Within Our Means" [Posted 8-5-05]

Career Technical Education Legislation [Posted 8-5-05]

State Audit of Local School Bond Sales [Posted 8-5-05]

Biggest Decline in Student Enrollment Occurred in Physical Education Courses [Posted 8-5-05]

Ask SSC . . . What Can Districts Charge for Facilities Use Fees? [Posted 8-5-05]

Ask SSC . . . Are We in Violation of the Education Code When We Pay for Board Member Health Benefits?
[Posted 8-5-05]

By the Way . . . PERS Employer Rate Could Drop in 2006-07 [Posted 8-5-05]

Attachment A.  Gains and Reductions in Curricular Areas [Posted 8-5-05]

Attachment B.   Students in Physical Education Courses [Posted 8-5-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
July 22, 2005 Update

Details of Final Budget Package Finally Emerge [Posted 7/22/05]

Governor Signs Education Trailer Bill -- Senate Bill 63 [Posted 7/22/05]

The Facts on the 2005-06 Education Budget [Posted 7/22/05]

Collaborative Budget Reform [Posted 7/22/05]

Loss of Accreditation at Compton College Appealed [Posted 7/22/05]

Health Savings Accounts Growing More Popular [Posted 7/22/05]

Ask SSC . . . What Is the Status of the STRS 2% Issue? [Posted 7/22/05]

Ask SSC . . . What Is the Status of Prior-Year Mandated Claims? [Posted 7/22/05]

By the Way . . . Scott Himelstein Appointed Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff to Secretary for Education
[Posted 7/22/05]

By the Way . . . Paul Glaab Appointed to Commission on State Mandates [Posted 7/22/05]

By the Way . . . Chancellor's Office 2005 Budget Workshops [Posted 7/22/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
July 8, 2005 Update

Governor and Legislature Reach Budget Agreement [Posted 7-6-05]

Budget Bill--Senate Bill 77 [Posted 7-8-05]

Education Trailer Bills--SB 63 and SB 80 [Posted 7-8-05]

Senate Education Committee Takes Action on Community College Legislation [Posted 7-8-05]

Assembly Higher Education Committee Takes Action on Community College Legislation [Posted 7-8-05]

LAO Releases Primer on California's Higher Education Funding [Posted 7-8-05]

UCLA Says California Economy is OK, But Housing Is a Risk [Posted 7-8-05]

2004-05 Third Quarter Lottery Apportionment [Posted 7-8-05]

Ask SSC . . . Should We Really Have Firm Bargaining Policies in Place Before Negotiations? [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . Compton Community College Losing Accreditation [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . New Board of Governors Member [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . Palo Verde Community College District's Bond Measure Squeaks By [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . Late Budget, Minnesota Style [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . Lottery Sued Over Mega Millions Game [Posted 7-8-05]

By the Way . . . Secretary of State Announces Proposition Numbers for Qualifying Initiatives [Posted 7-8-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
June 24, 2005 Update

Budget Shot Down [Posted 6-24-05]

The "California Live Within Our Means" Act--What It Means for California Public Schools [Posted 6-24-05]

Credit Card Processing Fees Clarified [Posted 6-24-05]

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger the Most Expensive Governor in California History? [Posted 6-24-05]

75/25 Report and Recommendations [Posted 6-24-05]

So When Is a Special Election Not So "Special"? [Posted 6-24-05]

Governor's Approval Rating Plummets in Latest Field Poll [Posted 6-24-05]

Poll Shows Californians Mixed on Schwarzenegger's Initiatives [Posted 6-24-05]

  State Shows Continuing Job Improvement [Posted 6-24-05]

  Lottery to Move Ahead with Mega Millions Game Despite Legal Questions [Posted 6-24-05]

  By the Way . . . Initiative Update [Posted 6-24-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
June 10, 2005 Update

Budget Conference Committee Convenes [Posted 6/10/05]

Budget Conference Committee Takes Action on Community College Budget [Posted 6/10/05]

Assembly Democrats Unveil Their State Budget Proposal [Posted 6/10/05]

Status of Legislation of Interest [Posted 6/10/05]

Assembly Approves Legislation for Baccalaureate Degree Programs on Rural Community College Campuses
[Posted 6/10/05]

Think Tank Says California's Future Demands More Education [Posted 6/10/05]

Latest STRS Actuarial Report Confirms Significant Funding Shortfall [Posted 6/10/05]

Ask SSC . . . How Are the New Mega Millions Lottery Game on June 22 [Posted 6/10/05]

By the Way . . . Lottery to Start Mega Millions Game on June 22 [Posted 6/10/05]

By the Way . . . Strategic Plan Update [Posted 6/10/05]

By the Way . . . Two More of the Governor's Initiatives Qualify for a Special Election [Posted 6/10/05]

By the Way . . . Communities Support Schools in Local Elections [Posted 6/10/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
May 27, 2005 Update

May Revise--Little Change for Education, Despite More Than a Billion In New State Revenues [Posted 5/27/05]

May Revise Acknowledges Higher Current Year Revenues, But Little Increase Next Year [Posted 5/27/05]

Budget Conferees Named [Posted 5/27/05]

Financial Projection Dartboard--May Revise Version [Posted 5/27/05]

Education Budget Subcommittees Complete Work [Posted 5/27/05]

Assembly and Senate Appropriations Committees Address Suspense Files [Posted 5/27/05]

Governor Declares He Wants A Special Election in November [Posted 5/27/05]

Lottery Projections Up 12% [Posted 5/27/05]

Latest PPIC Poll Shows Major Support for Education Funding [Posted 5/27/05]

Ask SSC . . . Is There a Timeline for Making Retroactive Salary Payments? [Posted 5/27/05]

By the Way . . . 2005-06 PERS Rate Set At 9.116% [Posted 5/27/05]

Attachment . . . California Community Colleges 2005-06 System Budget [Posted 5/27/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
May 13, 2005 Update

   April Personal Income Tax Comes In Strong [Posted 5-13-05]

   Governor-Supported Initiatives Submitted to Secretary of State--No Date Set for Special Election Yet [Posted 5-13-05]

   No District Left Behind [Posted 5-13-05]

   No Confidence In "No Confidence" Legislation [Posted 5-13-05]

   Reforms Proposed for Community College Adult Education [Posted 5-13-05]

   Special Survey on Education [Posted 5-13-05]

   Ask SSC . . . Can We Operate Without a Collective Bargaining Agreement? [Posted 5-13-05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is There a Time Limit for Claiming Back Pay? [Posted 5-13-05]

   By the Way . . . Governor Appoints Board of Governors Members [Posted 5-13-05]

   By the Way . . . PERS Rate Declines [Posted 5-13-05]

   By the Way . . . State Must Repay STRS for Unmade Contributions [Posted 5-13-05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
April 15, 2005 Update

   The California Live Within Our Means Act [Posted 4/29/05]

   Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 Approves Community College Capital Outlay Projects and
                Reviews the Governor's Nurse Education Initiative [Posted 4/29/05]

   Suggested Timeline for 2006-07 System Budget [Posted 4/29/05]

   Senate Education Committee Takes Action on Its "Suspense File" [Posted 4/29/05]

   Rules Change for Determining Final Compensation [Posted 4/29/05]

   Legislature Should Support Concurrent Enrollment Programs [Posted 4/29/05]

   Impacts of Student Fee Increase and Budget Changes on 
               Enrollment in the California Community Colleges [Posted 4/29/05]

   Community Colleges' Strategic Plan [Posted 4/29/05]

   Senate Leader Proposes Education Reform [Posted 4/29/05]

   Governor's Standing Falls in Latest PPIC Poll [Posted 4/29/05]

   Ask SSC . . . How Can We Comply with HIPAA Confidentiality Requirements? [Posted 4/29/05]

   By the Way . . . Statutory COLA for 2005-06 is 4.23% [Posted 4/29/05]

   By the Way . . . Secretary for Education Richard Riordan Resigns [Posted 4/29/05]

   By the Way . . .  Governor Announces New Secretary for Education [Posted 4/29/05]

   Attachment A. . . . A Really Bad Idea [Posted 4/29/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
April 15, 2005 Update

   Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 Reviews Governor's Budget Proposal for Community Colleges [Posted 4/15/05]

   Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 Approves Community College Capital Outlay Budget [Posted 4/15/05]

   Huge, But Uncertain, Corporate Tax Gain in March [Posted 4/15/05]

   Legislative Hearings--Results on Bills [Posted 4/15/05]

   Attorney General Issues Opinion on Use of District Funds for Bond Measure [Posted 4/15/05]

   Governor Backs Off His Initiative Privatizing State Pensions [Posted 4/15/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Since the Governor Has Backed Off of Pension Reform, What About the 2% STRS Shift? [Posted 4/15/05]

   Ask SSC . . . How Do We Set Up a Parcel Tax Election? [Posted 4/15/05]

   By the Way . . . Senate Rules Committee Confirms Benita Haley as Member of the Board of Governors [Posted 4/15/05]

   By the Way . . . David Viar Appointed President of American River College [Posted 4/15/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
April 1, 2005 Update

   Legislative Analyst Reviews "The California Live Within Our Means Act" Initiative [Posted 4/1/05]

   Budget Subcommittees Reject Governor's Proposal to Shift State's STRS Obligation to Local K-14 Districts [Posted 4/1/05]

   State Revenues Miss the Mark for February [Posted 4/1/05]

   Parcel Tax Legislation Passes First Hurdle [Posted 4/1/05]

   Senate Rules Committee Rejects Governor's Nominees for the State Teachers' Retirement Board [Posted 4/1/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is the Five-Year Restriction on a STRS Retiree's Ability to Return to Work Still in Effect? [Posted 4/1/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Where Can I Find Information on Gifts of Public Funds? [Posted 4/1/05]

   Ask SSC . . . What Will the Unemployment Insurance Rate Be for 2005-06? [Posted 4/1/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Are Full STRS Contributions Required When an Employee Is on Leave Under FMLA? [Posted 4/1/05]

   By the Way . . . CPEC Reports on Community College Enrollment Demands [Posted 4/1/05]

   By the Way . . . Use of Union Dues Qualifies as an Initiative [Posted 4/1/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
March 18, 2005 Update

   Board of Governors Approves New Approach to Community College Finance [Posted 3/18/05]

   Governor's "New" Spending Cap Initiative Contains Huge Hits to Schools [Posted 3/18/05]

   UCLA Forecasters See Economic Slowdown Ahead [Posted 3/18/05]

   Senate Budget Committee Considers Mandate Funding [Posted 3/18/05]

   Funding Protection for California's K-12 Schools and Community Colleges [Posted 3/18/05]

   Community College Audits [Posted 3/18/05]

   The Belt Tightening: "California Live Within Our Means Act" and "Excellence In Teaching Act" Get the Nod [Posted 3/18/05]

   Recreation Assessment Districts: Are They Right for Education Entities? [Posted 3/18/05]

   Voters Consider Bonds and Parcel Taxes [Posted 3/18/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is There a Contingency Language Model for District Negotiations? [Posted 3/18/05]

   By the Way . . . Senate Rules Committee Confirms Board of Governors Appointees [Posted 3/18/05]

   By the Way . . . Community College Student Transfers to Private Colleges Made Easier [Posted 3/18/05]

   By the Way . . . Senate Approves Bruce McPherson as Secretary of State [Posted 3/18/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
March 4, 2005 Update

   Legislative Analyst's Office Proposes Major Changes in Community College Funding [Posted 3/4/05]

   Legislative Analyst's Proposition 98 Comments Create an Even More Complicated Political Scene [Posted 3/4/05]

   Legislative Analyst Sees Higher State Revenues [Posted 3/4/05]

   Legislative Analyst Weighs in on Governor's Proposed STRS Shift to Schools [Posted 3/4/05]

   Legislative Analyst Recommends $315 Million for Mandates in 2005-06 [Posted 3/4/05]

   Community College Legislation [Posted 3/4/05]

   Governor's "Year of Reform" Spawns Educational Reform Coalition [Posted 3/4/05]

   State Reform Coming to a Ballot Box Near You [Posted 3/4/05]

   Timetable Tight for Governor Schwarzenegger's Reforms [Posted 3/4/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Will the Governor's PERS Pension Reform Proposal Affect My Retirement Benefits? [Posted 3/4/05]

   By the Way . . . State Spending Priorities [Posted 3/4/05]

   By the Way . . . Strong Sentiment to Re-elect Schwarzenegger Next Year [Posted 3/4/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
February 18, 2005 Update

  Status of 2005-06 Proposed Community College State Budget [Posted 2/18/05]

  Legislative Analyst's Office Issues Proposition 98 Primer [Posted 2/18/05]

  Strong State Revenue Growth for December and January [Posted 2/18/05]

   Federal Budget Highlights [Posted 2/18/05]

   Governor Backtracks from State Budget Proposal [Posted 2/18/05]

   Education Budget Subcommittees Take Governor's Proposals on the Road [Posted 2/18/05]

   Initiative Update [Posted 2/18/05]

   Student Health Fee Legislation Introduced [Posted 2/18/05]

   New Student Enrollment Fee Policy Proposed [Posted 2/18/05]

   Governor Rescinds Nominations of STRS Trustees [Posted 2/18/05]

   Is The Governor's Popularity Fading? [Posted 2/18/05]

   Report of the Working Group on Community College Finance [Posted 2/18/05]

   Lottery Approves New Multistate Game in Hopes of Increasing Revenues and Educational Funding [Posted 2/18/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is the Governor's Reform Proposal Better for Schools? [Posted 2/18/05]

   Ask SSC . . . How Long Has the State Been Paying into STRS? [Posted 2/18/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Can Salary Contingency Language Work? [Posted 2/18/05]

   By the Way . . . New Requirements for Employees Not Covered by Social Security [Posted 2/18/05]

   By the Way . . . Governor Appoints Former State Senator Bruce McPherson Secretary of State
[Posted 2/18/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
February 4, 2005 Update

   Senate and Assembly Democrats Take Budget Talks on The Road [Posted 2/4/05]

   Updated Dartboard Reflects Governor's January 2005 Budget Proposal [Posted 2/4/05]

   The Governor's Reform Package [Posted 2/4/05]

   Community College District Level Accountability [Posted 2/4/05]

   Community Colleges Authorized to Establish Charter Schools [Posted 2/4/05]

   Legislation Proposes to Change How Retirement Benefits for Public Employees Are Calculated
[Posted 2/4/05]

   New Report Emphasizes the Importance of Community Colleges [Posted 2/4/05]

   Information Security a Problem for Schools, Too [Posted 2/4/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is the STRS Shift to Proposition 98 Funding to Pay Back a Prior-Year Loan? [Posted 2/4/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Is There a Specific Amount for Direct Copy Charges? [Posted 2/4/05]

   Ask SSC . . . What is a "Healthy Reserve Level"? (Revisited) [Posted 2/4/05]

   By the Way . . . Bid Limit Raised to $62,400 [Posted 2/4/05]

   By the Way . . . Community College Student Transfers to UC Up Slightly [Posted 2/4/05]

   Attachment B.   Information Security Squeezes Schools [Posted 2/4/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
January 21, 2005 Update

   The "Deal" Is Off [Posted 1/21/05]

   The Governor's "Reform" Agenda [Posted 1/21/05]

   Proposition 98 Funding for 2005-06 [Posted 1/21/05]

   Legislative Analyst Critiques Governor's Budget [Posted 1/21/05]

   Commentary on the Governor's Proposed Budget [Posted 1/21/05]

   Legislative Committee Assignments Announced [Posted 1/21/05]

   District Accountability Framework Project [Posted 1/21/05]

   Teachers Unions--The 800 Pound Gorillas of Public Education [Posted 1/21/05]

   By the Way . . . Student Fee Policy [Posted 1/21/05]

Please Note: The following articles were included in the
January 7, 2005 Update

  Governor's State of the State Proposes Sweeping Reform Platform [Posted 1/7/05]

  Will Community Colleges--Once Again--Be Left Out of the Education Budget Negotiations with Governor Schwarzenegger? [Posted 1/7/05]

   Secretary for Education Briefs K-12 Education Coalition [Posted 1/7/05]

   New Financial Control Initiative Cleared for Circulation [Posted 1/7/05]

   More Details on Governor's Education Budget Proposals [Posted 1/7/05]

   Don't Expect any Enhancements to Pension Benefits During the 2005 Legislative Session [Posted 1/7/05]

   Chancellor's Office Issues Legal Opinion on Impact of AB 2756 [Posted 1/7/05]

   Community Colleges Substitute Workers Entitled to Classified Employee Status If They Work More Than 75% of the College Year [Posted 1/7/05]

   Academic Senate May Not be Able to Complain About Administrators Behind Closed Doors
[Posted 1/7/05]

   Districts Considering PERS Risk Pool Option Should Proceed With Great Caution [Posted 1/7/05]

   2004-05 First Quarter Lottery Apportionment Certified [Posted 1/7/05]

   Domestic Partners Must Now Be Provided Same Benefits as Spouses [Posted 1/7/05]

   Statewide Preschool-16 Council Established [Posted 1/7/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Must Community College Districts Contracting with K-12 Districts To Operate a Regional Occupational Program Utilize Credentialed Instructors [Posted 1/7/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Does Proposition 1A Also Apply to K-14 Schools? [Posted 1/7/05]

   Ask SSC . . . Can a District Manage/Administer Its Own IRC 125 Plan? [Posted 1/7/05]

   By the Way . . . State Budget Receives a Technological Makeover [Posted 1/7/05]

   By the Way. . . Copies of 2005 Tax Withholding Tables Are Available [Posted 1/7/05]

   By the Way . . . Contribution Limits to Tax-Sheltered Annuities Have Been Increased [Posted 1/7/05]