News Briefs - May 29
California Proposition 226 losing support
An anti-union referendum in California appears to be losing steam. Proposition
226 would require unions to get the annual permission of every member
before dues could be used for political purposes. The measure is being
pushed by anti-union organizations and individuals, including Governor
Pete Wilson. A May 23 Los Angeles Times poll found support for the proposition
is falling. Since April, the number of California residents supporting
the proposition fell from 66% to 51%. Opposition rose from 26% to 37%.
Survey links student behavior with support, values
High school students with positive values and social support from schools,
parents and the community are less likely to engage in risky behaviors,
according to a Department of Public Instruction survey. The 1997 survey
of high school students found that parental and teacher involvement in
students’ lives can help children avoid risky behaviors. Half of
the students surveyed said they had at least one drink in the last month;
15% reported carrying weapons - mostly away from school; eight percent
had been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property; and 25%
said they seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Eight new schools join Milwaukee voucher program
Milwaukee’s private school voucher program will have 31 participating
schools this year. DPI officials say that’s an increase of eight
over last year. Approximately 1,500 low income Milwaukee children attend
the voucher schools. The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to rule soon
on a challenge to plans to expand the program to religious schools.
Posted May 29, 1998