California

"Jonathan Kaplan from the California Budget Project said the formula would give schools with low-income students and English learners more money over seven years, which could end up flip-flopping current funding inequities. For example, the Dublin school district now gets about $1,000 more per student than Alameda City Unified, he said. But under the governor's proposal, Dublin would get about $3,000 less per student after seven years."

"But although the program is thriving, it could be hurt by federal budget cuts. Earlier this month, Congress failed to avoid across-the-board reductions, known as the sequester cuts, and programs such as Good Beginnings are nervously awaiting the trickle-down effects."

"Suburban districts for years have been screaming for more flexibility from state mandates. Urban districts have sought recognition for the fact that they educate more needy students. Brown's new formula for funding schools should satisfy both."

"Our first-year high school students are making significant progress. Students who came from the ACE middle school have picked up where they left off, with exceptional growth in reading and math in the first semester. The new students who have only spent several months at ACE are starting to hit their stride as they begin to believe in themselves and their college future."

"The issue is complex and multi-faceted,' said Senior Coalition Director Rochelle Sherlock. Answers are not easy as homeless seniors may also have age-related health conditions, may be unable or unwilling to navigate the social service system, or face difficulties landing jobs, she and others said."

"Berkeley-based Resources for Community Development, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, last month began construction on Berrellesa Palms, a 49-unit apartment building. Future tenants will be 62 and older with chronic health conditions such as kidney disease, arthritis or heart problems, and incomes of $22,500 or less."