Greetings,

It's been a very busy and productive holiday season at Children Now.

Last week alone, we reached an agreement with the broadcast and cable industry to protect landmark children's educational TV rules, filed a 2006 initiative to get health insurance for all California children, and received coverage of these and other important children's issues in major press outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Washington Post and NBC's "The Today Show." Please let me know if you have any questions after reading more about these items below:

Agreement Reached on Landmark Digital Television Rules Protecting Children
We successfully protected the bulk of the new digital television rules for children in an agreement reached with the broadcast and cable industry last week. Our top priority was achieved: broadcasters agreed to air 3 hours of children's educational programming per week on each channel in the digital age.

Los Angeles Times: "Digital TV, Kids Groups in Deal"
See complete article at: http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-fi-digital16dec16,2,7023589.story

Washington Post: "Child Advocates, TV Come to Terms"
See complete article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/15/AR2005121501910.html

Children Now Co-Sponsors Initiative for Children's Health Insurance
Children Now, as part of a coalition of health care groups, filed an initiative that would ensure health insurance for all California children. This past year, the Legislature supported a proposal we co-sponsored to provide health coverage to all children; however, the Governor vetoed the legislation citing the lack of a specific funding source. The Tobacco Tax Initiative of 2006 ensures all kids in California access to health care, and supports a host of other critical treatment and research programs.

Sacramento Bee: "Coalition seeks to fund health programs by raising cigarette tax"
See complete article at: http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/13974379p-14808268c.html

School Nurse Shortage
The shortage of school nurses--particularly acute in California--is gaining national attention. Children Now was called on to represent the children's advocacy point of view on this issue on a segment on Thursday morning's "The Today Show" and in last Wednesday's USA Today article, included below.

USA Today: "Nurse shortage puts school kids at risk"
See complete article at: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-13-school-nurses_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

We're looking to carry this momentum into 2006 and, with your support, continue to achieve more big victories for children. You can donate today online or call (510)763-2444.

Enjoy the holidays!

Sincerely,

Ted Lempert
President