June 6, 2005

Resolution #44: Permanent Fix for the E-Rate and the Universal Service Fund: Exempting It from the Anti-Deficiency Act (which is a joint referral with the Transportation and Communications Committee) calls for the Congress to pass legislation that will enable the Universal Service fund to continue to manage its programs as it as rather than as federal agencies who provide funding through appropriations and thus not interrupting the provision of discounts to local school systems and public libraries for technology.

Resolution # 45: Building a Framework for 21st Century Skills (which is a joint referral with the Workforce Development Committee) supports and encourages the development and implementation of comprehensive standards and skills required for 21st century jobs through establishing new policies, practices and programs in cities to better prepare students and enhance their opportunities.

Resolution #46: Correcting the No Child Left Behind Act: Needed Mid-Course Changes to Improve Implementation asks for both regulatory, programmatic guidance, new policy interpretations and several legislative changes to increase the opportunity for school districts to comply with and students to be successful in meeting the requirements of the statute and enabling districts to implement the law in a reasonable manner.

Resolution #47: Broadening Student Financial Aid Opportunities calls for the increase in funding of certain federal student financial aid programs including raising PELL grants to $4,500, continued funding for GEAR UP and TRIO programs, and establishing a national policy that any student who graduates from a U.S. high school should be eligible to receive federal student financial aid and thus not making citizenship a criteria for determining aid eligibility.

Resolution #19: Head Start (which is a joint referral with the Children Health and Human Services Committee) supports the current structure of Head Start in which federal funds flow directly to local grantees and the continuous improvement review and resolution process for grantees along with fully funding the program.

Resolution #2: Enhancing Skills Attainment Through the Arts (which is a joint referral with the Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee) encourages the use of the arts as an approach to build student skills in reading and math as well as other subject areas and integrate the arts into the curriculum as a means to excite and engage students who otherwise maybe disinterested in education.

Resolution # 48: Investment in Human Capital Development (which is a joint referral with the Workforce Development Committee) urges Congress to make a major investment in education and workforce skills training by restoring funding to education and workforce programs at FY 2002 levels.

Resolution #1: National Anthem Project (which is a joint referral with the Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports Committee) urges mayors to participate in this project to promote the learning the lyrics and singing the National Anthem by issuing proclamations, sponsoring events and activities, and encouraging music teachers to teach the nation's musical heritage.

Resolution # 49: Resolution in Support of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) asks for the Conference's support of its fellowship program for recent college graduates, summer institute for current college students, and a partnership with the Conference in future activities to expand the involvement of Hispanic youth in government and public policy.

Resolution #50: Endorsing the Goals, Recognizing the Achievements, And Supporting the Program Known As FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) so that more students in cities will become involved in and other mayors will participate in increasing student involvement in math, science and engineering as has been accomplished in Atlanta under Mayor Franklin's leadership.