The Senate Education Committee has overwhelmingly approved a bill by Assemblywoman Patty Berg (D-Eureka) that would help rural school districts replace their old buses without raising taxes or reducing other services.
The Education Committee approved the bill on a bipartisan 10-0 vote, with one member abstaining. The bill was previously approved by the entire Assembly.
"Here's proof positive that we can all work together here in Sacramento," Berg said. "I think we all understand that there's no good reason for kids in rural areas to be stuck in polluting old rigs, when safer, cleaner buses are available."
Assembly Bill 1107 uses an existing pool of money earmarked to replace old buses. Since most of those older vehicles are already off the road, Berg's bill would tap that $4.5 million fund to replace pre-1987 buses.
There are now about 6,000 pre-1987 buses in operation statewide. Many of them are used in rural districts, where children are most likely to be dependent on buses to get to school. New buses are not only safer, but also emit significantly less pollution and are more economical to operate, according to Berg's office.
"This is all about valuing our children," Berg said. "It's a wise investment, and it doesn't add a penny in cost that isn't already there."
Under the program, qualifying rural school districts would apply for grant funds, and would receive the entire cost of a replacement bus.
Districts would, however, have to cover the cost of certain options and upgrades.
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