Learning Young

Just talking about the world’s problems is not good enough in Alan Haskvitz’ eighth-grade social-studies class at Suzanne Middle School in Walnut, which is just southwest of Pomona. So far this term the 42 students have written about 500 letters to the California Legislature in support ofa bill urging that the state use drought-resistant plants in landscaping new state buildings. The idea is to save money and conserve water.

Well, yes, there’s nothing terribly unusual about students writing to legislators about some issue. But this is their bill. After doing considerable research, which included consultation with a professional landscaper, Haskvitz’ class members drafted proposed legislation and sent it off to their state senator for his consideration. Sen. William Campbell (R-Hacienda Heights) liked the idea, had a formal measure drafted by the legislative counsel’s office, and introduced it on Feb. 8 as Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 68. Aside from a few legal niceties, the SCR 68 language is basically that sent to him by Haskvitz’ class, Campbell said. The students also brought in a real lobbyist to instruct them on the fine art of legislative persuasion, which they have put to use in the letterwriting campaign. And as soon as a hearing is scheduled before the Senate Governmental Organization Committee, a delegation from Suzanne will go to Sacramento to testify.

The resolution makes good sense and deserves approval in both the Senate and the Assembly. But while the Suzanne students are not likely to run into serious opposition with their legislation, they are learning something else about the legislative process. There has been a delay in getting a hearing scheduled because of the battle over Gov. George Deukmejian’s nomination of Rep. Daniel E. Lungren (R-Long Beach) to be state treasurer.

The committee would do well to expedite this matter. The next thing Haskvitz’ students might learn is how to put their political activism to work in election campaigns.