May 1, 2000 Vol. 2, No. 14

This Week in Washington...

For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org

"Block" that (Voucher) Kick: The Senate begins work this week on the Reauthorization of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Of particular concern are proposals which would "block grant" federal dollars to the states, permitting the states to utilize funds traditionally set aside for disadvantaged students for initiatives which could include voucher and voucher-like programs. As currently drafted, the legislation would make the federal benefits allotted to students from disadvantaged communities "portable," allowing parents to use Title I money to pay for private educational services. Secretary of Education Richard Riley has already hinted that President Clinton will veto legislation with such provisions, fueling a serious election year debate on education policy. There is also discussion that the initiative might include several gun control related amendments. Among those being considered are the modest gun control provisions (background checks for guns bought at gun shows, ban on certain ammunition clips and child safety locks) passed last year in the Senate but stalled in conference committee on the Juvenile Justice bill.

All Eyes on Shiraz: The trial of the "Iran 13" resumed today in Shiraz. It is unclear at this point how long the trial will last, but it appears that the court will meet several times before reaching any sort of conclusion. Hearings are scheduled to resume Wednesday. Proceedings continue to be held behind closed doors, despite human rights organizations' and diplomats' requests that they be allowed to observe the sessions. The JCPA is continuing to monitor the situation and will forward information as it becomes available. Contact eyaari@thejcpa.org with any questions.

Hate Again Rears Its Ugly Head: Our thoughts and prayers are with those residing in and near Pittsburgh, impacted by this weekend’s senseless hatred and violence. CRC Director Edie Naveh reports that two previously planned community-wide events will voice both the pain and the need for education, prejudice reduction, and gun control measures. Information regarding the response in Pittsburgh will be shared shortly. JCPA member agencies will recall Pittsburgh’s leading role in crafting an effective and eloquent Gun Control Resolution enacted by Plenum 2000, a copy of which can be found on the JCPA website, www.jewishpublicaffairs.org. Now, more than ever, the JCPA encourages members of the American Jewish community to participate in the Million Mom March scheduled for Mother’s Day 2000. For more information about the March, contact lmallin@thejcpa.org.

Elsewhere in Congress This Week: After a two-week break, the House of Representatives returns on Tuesday and will take up a variety of issues. The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will consider funding for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program; the House subcommittee on the Census will hold an oversight hearing on efforts of the Census Bureau to follow-up and contact household who did not respond to their census forms.

Mazel Tov to the LCCR! The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights will celebrate its 50th anniversary this week. NJCRAC devoted resources and the staff time of the late Arnold Aronson to found this vital civil rights coalition.

This Week in New York...

For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org

Beijing + 5: A meeting will be convened tomorrow at the JCPA offices in New York to discuss the June 2000 UN Special Session entitled "Women 2000: Gender Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-First Century." The purpose of the UN Special Session is to assess progress achieved in advancing the status of women since the September 1995 Beijing Conference. Interested parties will meet tomorrow under JCPA auspices to discuss involvement in and support for key issue on the women’s rights agenda and to seek to avoid extraneous politicization, particularly regarding issues related to Israel. The Ad Hoc Committee is co-chaired by Sibyl Feder Gass and Judith Palkovitz. Contact ksenter@thejcpa.org for more information.

JCPA June Meetings: Information concerning the June Task Force, Board of Directors and other meetings was mailed late last week. Participants are urged to make hotel reservations and meeting arrangements as soon as possible. Contact marny@thejcpa.org for more information.