Tom is pleased to announce the release of the first 60-second video in support of his campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The spot focuses on what powers California's high tech economy: its people. It explains Tom's experience in education, including his time as a teacher in Mt. Diablo's Unified School District. It also explains some of the elements of Tom's plan to return California's educational system to among the top rank in the nation.

Tom's campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction formally kicked off with a luncheon on April 3 in Concord. The luncheon's keynote speaker was former SPI Delaine Eastin, who made a passionate speech about the importance of education and investing in our children.

Eastin's call for action urged Californians to make our children our top priority again, noting that wise leaders in the past have made these investments even in difficult economic times or times of war. She also endorsed Tom's campaign for SPI, saying, "I think the state of California needs a Superintendent of Public Instruction who is for children. So I am here to endorse Tom Torlakson as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in California."

Tom has sent Governor Schwarzenegger a letter urging him as California’s lead on the federal economic stimus funds, to ensure these dollars flow directly to our schools as quickly as possible. Tom also encourages our schools to use these flexible funds to backfill their local best practices, mitigate increasing staffing ratios, and protect program quality across the board.

To read an article Tom wrote in the California Progress Report about this important issue, please click here.

SACRAMENTO--Assemblymember Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, said today he will continue his campaign for state schools chief and not run for a congressional seat currently held by Rep. Ellen Tauscher.

Tauscher, D-Walnut Creek will be leaving her 10th congressional district seat after accepting a post in the Obama administration, as undersecretary of state for arms control and international security with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In making the announcement, Torlakson, who has held elective office in Contra Costa County for 30 years, said he would endorse Senator Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, to succeed Tauscher.

Former State Senator Betty Karnette announced on February 4 that she will end her candidacy for State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and endorse Tom Torlakson.

"My goal is and has always been to give students a good start in life. I understand the education system as a lawmaker and as a teacher and I have full confidence that Tom is the candidate we can all count on to make the improvements we need," Karnette said. "I trust him."

"I am deeply honored to have Betty Karnette’s support for State Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Torlakson. "Her achievements on behalf of students are a personal inspiration, and her support means the world to me."

Click here to read more of Karnette's press release.

Tom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell have authored a commentary about the school meal program crisis in the January 30 San Francisco Chronicle. You can read the article by clicking here.

Tom wrote a commentary for the California Progress Report to explain why he has authored SCA 22, a proposed Constitutional Amendment to reform the state budget process to allow a majority vote to pass a budget.