Legislative Alerts

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The New Jersey Association of School Librarians advocates high standards for librarianship and library media programs in the public, private and parochial schools in New Jersey to ensure that students and staff become effective users of information. The Association fosters excellence in the school library media program by providing school librarians/media specialists with educational opportunities and current information through mentoring, online and print publications, workshops, and conferences.

New Jersey State Board of Education Updates

New Jersey State Board of Education Update November 2, 2005

New Abbott Regulations Expand Committment to School Libraries 2005-2006

New Jersey State Board of Education Update January 7, 2004

NJASL Government Relations Reports

November 2007

October 2007

September 2007

August 2007

July 31, 2007

June 30 , 2007

May 31, 2007

April 30, 2007

Testimonials

Testimony before the New Jersey Assembly Budget Committee

On the proposed 2008 budget

NJASL to the NJDOE on the Report on the Cost of Education

December 18, 2006

NJASL to the New Jersey Department Of Education - 9/20/06

White House Conference on School Libraries - Dr. Keith Curry Lance's Testimony on the Importance of School Libraries

New Jersey Association of School Librarians

State Policy Update - August 2004

State Board/Department of Education

New State Board members - Jacqueline Figueras (Elizabeth) sworn-in in July

Miquel A. Rivera (Monroe, Middlesex) nominated to replace Anne Dillman

2004 Adequate Yearly Progress List pending in late August.

Middle Grades Literacy report available online at: www.state.nj.us/njded/genfo/midliteracy.pdf

Certification amendments pending to clarify "alternate route" for SLMS

Governor

FY 2005 budget provides 3% increase in state aid for all districts

Additional aid provided for high-growth districts and those with Abbott characteristics

Supreme Court decision re: future borrowing creates pressure to reduce spending for FY 2006

"FAIR" tax relief plan enacted in July

Increased revenues from "millionaires tax" will go directly to seniors/middle class
Strict spending limitations imposed on all school districts.
Budget increases limited to 2.5 % or cost of living, with certain exceptions
Administrative spending cannot increase by more than 2.5% or cost of living. Administrative spending will be held level in 2006-07 (0% increase).
Districts are required to spend their surplus beyond 3% to provide tax relief

These limitations have negative implications for all school districts and will threaten non-mandated programs and services

Legislature

Joe Doria appointed to Senate, to fill seat of Glenn Cunningham. He is a strong education advocate who served in the Assembly for 21 years.

A200/S1180 (Voss/Stanley/Turner) - Provides for selection of 6 school facilities demonstration projects with community design features each year. Amended in the Assembly to require input from State Librarian on any project that includes a joint library (requested by EMA/NJLA, and State Librarian). Passed Assembly; pending in Senate.

A3194 (Stanley) - Establishes Commission on the Funding of a Thorough and Efficient Public School Education to develop per pupil cost of providing a public school district regular education program.

S1795 (Doria/Palaia) - Establishes a Learning Through Listening Program in public school districts to assist students with print disabilities

Visit the link below for legislative updates:

http://www.ala.org/washoff/alawon/