Assemblyman Juan Alanis, alongside his dedicated team, hosted an insightful Education Town Hall at the Gustine High School Auditorium on March 1. The event drew a diverse audience including parents, educators, and concerned community members from across Merced and Stanislaus counties.
The town hall featured a distinguished panel representing various facets of the education sector. Among them were Zachery Ramos, Gustine School Board Member and California School Board Association Delegate for Merced County; Bryan Ballenger, Gustine USD Superintendent; Ellen Cesaretti Monroy, Asm. Education Committee representative; Keryn Whitlow, Parent; Don Davis, YCCD; and Cindy Houghton, Teacher.
Assemblyman Alanis took the opportunity to update attendees on the progress of three significant bills he has been championing in the legislative arena. AB 1880, aimed at combating child exploitation on social media, received particular attention. The bill seeks to broaden the scope of the Coogan Law to include protection for minors compensated for online content creation, such as social media influencing.
AB 1839, focusing on enhancing law enforcement recruitment incentives through the CAL Badge Recruitment Incentives program, also garnered significant interest. The bill proposes grants for students completing their Modern Policing degree and offers hiring bonuses for new officers, managed by the Board of State and Community Corrections.
Another notable bill discussed was AB 1927, designed to expand eligibility for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program to career technical education instructors committing to at least four years of service.
Alanis expressed his optimism about the progress of these bills through the legislative process, emphasizing their potential to positively impact communities statewide.
The event was not limited to the physical audience; it also engaged viewers via Facebook Live, enabling broader participation and interaction. Attendees, both in person and online, had the opportunity to pose questions to the panelists and the Assemblyman, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
For further updates on Assemblyman Alanis’s legislative initiatives and upcoming events, interested parties are encouraged to follow his social media channels and website.
