(Sacramento) - Massive tuition and fee hikes over the past ten years for the students at CSU, UC and community colleges in California are punishing family budgets, causing students to incur a mountain of debt or, in some cases, eliminating their plans for a higher education. To reverse that trend Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) is joining Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) in an effort to pass the Middle Class Scholarship Act (www.middleclassscholarship.com). The measure will reduce the cost of attending a CSU, UC or community college by two-thirds, saving thousands of students thousands of dollars every year. Assemblymember Buchanan says the Middle Class Scholarship Act is desperately needed to make college more affordable for students and their families. Here’s more from Assemblymember Buchanan in this Assembly Access Video.

Sacramento - California State Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) hosted the Contra Costa Women's Summit. The focus of the Summit was to find solutions to the problems affecting women and children, and to plan for the future. Hear what Buchanan had to say about the Summit in this Assembly Access Video.

(Sacramento) -- After serving in the U.S. Navy, Veteran Fred "Spike" Schau continues to serve his community and other vets. Schau is still active in the Navy Reserves and is state coordinator for a group that welcomes veterans home. That's why California State Assemblymember Joan Buchanan honored Schau as Veteran of the Year for Assembly District 15. Learn more in this Assembly Access Video.

(Sacramento) - As the California budget deadline approaches, many are bracing for devastating cuts. In an interview on "Comcast Newsmakers," California State Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) says she knows California's budget situation is dire, but says we need to keep education funding as a priority. Learn more in this Assembly Assets Video.

(Sacramento, CA) -  California Lawmakers voted to move a massive water bond measure from the November 2010 ballot, to the general election in 2012.  California Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) says the water bond is a bad idea now, and is still a bad idea two years from now.  Buchanan states that California cannot afford the $11.14 billion water plan while education and health services are getting cut.  Buchanan says the water package is full of pork and shouldn’t be put on the ballot at anytime.  Learn more in this Assembly Access Video.

(Sacramento) – Legislation to improve early education efforts in California from Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) has been approved by the State Assembly. Assembly Bill 2592 creates an Early Learning Quality Rating Scale (QRS) pilot program and charges the California Department of Education with its implementation. Assemblymember Buchanan says research confirms the social and economic benefits of early education for children and families, as well as society. Children who attend effective early learning programs are better prepared for kindergarten. They have stronger language skills in the first years of elementary school. And they are less likely to repeat a grade or drop out of school. These benefits are especially evident for low-income children and English language learners. Here’s more from Assemblymember Buchanan in this Assembly Access video.

(Sacramento)-California State Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) authored legislation that would require medical marijuana dispensaries to be at least a 600 foot distance from schools. This legislation echoes similar requirements for liquor stores.  More in this Assembly Web Report.

Sacramento, CA – California is facing a nursing shortage to care for its growing population. The problem stems from a short supply of nursing education programs. Speaker of the California Assembly, John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) and his colleague Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Elk Grove), co-authored legislation to start a pilot program that would fast track eligible nursing students through the training program. More about Assembly Bill 2385 in this Assembly Web Report.

(Sacramento) Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo) has signed on as a co-author of legislation from Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) that addresses the problem of recurring concussions and life-threatening injuries among high school athletes. AB 1646 will add training on potentially catastrophic injuries, such as head and neck injuries, asthma attacks, and heatstroke, to the CPR and first aid certification required of all California high school coaches. AB 1647 will require athletes suspected of having a concussion to get a doctors written permission before returning to play. Heres more from Assemblymember Buchanan in this Assembly Access video.

(Sacramento) - The California State Assemblys Education Committee (5th Extraordinary Session) has begun a series of hearings on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts Race to the Top competitive grant program. Assemblymember Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), who sits on the Committee, says its not only important to make sure California receives its allotment of the education related stimulus funds but says its also crucial the money is spent wisely. After spending nearly 20 years on the San Ramon Valley School Board, Assemblymember Buchanan says she understands the importance of making sure the programs we implement are consistent with the states long term effort to improve student achievement. Learn more in this Assembly Web Report.