<----------11/30/11 Be sure to click to the left here to read about an important new funding initiative that every school and every child will benefit from. Our Children, Our Future: Local Schools and Early Education Investment Act submitted to the Attorney General for the November 6, 2012 Ballot
Status of Current Legislation by Subject Area
Click on these links below to learn more about current legislation being followed and tracked by the California State PTA.
Lisa Naritomi
Adobe Bluffs PTA VP Legislation & Advocacy
naritomi@sbcglobal.net
Greetings Adobe Bluffs Families! As we begin the 2011-12 school year, I am grateful and proud to be a part of the ABES family. As the VP for Legislation & Advocacy, my goal continues to be to provide information & educate you on current legislation that affects our district and school, as well as provide simple steps to contact legislators when timely action is necessary. Thanks to everyone who participated last year in sending letters, emails, and making phone calls to our legislators. Our most recent call to action in the spring of 2011 was to support Governor Brown's legislation for an extension on taxes on the June Ballot. Among other things, this tax extension would secure funding needed for education. Unfortunately, he was unable to secure the 4 votes needed to put the measure on the ballot.
For now, the good news is that our flat funding per ADA (Average Daily Attendance) stays the same this year as it was in 2010-11. The bad news is that if revenues do not reach a certain target by December in California, there will be mid-year cuts in January 2012. This will amount to $1.9 million in CA and for PUSD, $8.6 million. Our district has some reserve funds to offset this shortfall this year but if cuts continue, our schools will be in jeopardy.
"WHAT CAN I DO?" You ask.
1) JOIN the PTA!! Every child, one voice. PTA membership is CRUCIAL to giving California State PTA the power in numbers to advocate for our children in Sacramento. Husbands, grandparents, uncles, aunts, godparents, should be members too! For many of you, it may be difficult to get involved, volunteer your time, etc. Don't get discouraged or overwhelmed. Take that first step and just join the PTA! It will make a difference. Here's the form: I want to join!
2) Call, write, or email your legislators. Tell them your concerns about your child's education. Ask them to vote yes or no on legislative measures that affect our children. Ask them their agenda for education. Many of you called your legislators for the first time last year and told me afterward, "Wow, it was fast and easy!". Last year, I called so often, I knew one of the staffers at the assemblyman's office by name. This year, I may have to put their numbers on speed dial. But seriously, it is that easy!
I will do my best to keep you current on important legislation, particularly, those in which California PTA (CAPTA) wants us to take action on. Above, in the links to the CAPTA website, you will find numerous bills related to children & education currently being followed and tracked by CAPTA. Click on those areas that interest you to find out more.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.