Legislative Alert from the California State PTA

The California State PTA opposes Proposition 1D because it would negatively impact key children's services that we support - programs such as early childhood education, health care access, education for new parents, and support for families in crisis. While we understand the need for options that help mitigate the state's current budget deficit, Proposition 1D takes funds away from important First 5 programs for a total of five years. It also makes changes to how First 5 funding may be spent, changes that are unrelated to addressing the state's current budget crisis.

Proposition 1D would allow for the redirection of some Proposition 10 funds for a five-year period.

Proposition 10, enacted by voters in 1998, created the California Children and Families (First 5) Program to expand early development programs for children up to age 5. The California State PTA strongly supported Proposition 10.

Under Proposition 1D, up to $608 million in 2009-10 and $268 million annually between 2010-11 through 2013-14 would be taken from early childhood development programs established by Proposition 10 and made available to the state General Fund, with the intent to support other health and human services programs.

PROPOSITION 1E - SUPPORT
Mental health services funding

Proposition 1E would allow for the redirection of some Proposition 63 funds for a two-year period.

Proposition 63, enacted by voters in 2004, provides state funding for new and expanded mental health programs through a personal income surcharge of 1 percent on taxpayers' income above $1 million.

The Department of Finance estimates that Proposition 63 will generate a total of $887 million in 2009-10. Proposition 1E would redirect $226.7 million in 2009-10 and a similar amount in 2010-11 from Proposition 63. The redirected funds would be used to pay for "The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program" (EPSDT), therefore freeing up General Fund monies for other purposes. EPSDT is a federally mandated program that must be funded, with or without this measure.

California State PTA strongly supported Proposition 63, and we continue to advocate for adequate mental health services for children, youth and families, as we know these services are critically important in our communities. However, we support Proposition 1E because we also understand the need for options that help mitigate the state's current budget deficit. In this case, the redirection of Proposition funds from Proposition 63 is limited to only two years. In addition, the author of Proposition 63, Sen. Darrell Steinberg, has strongly endorsed this measure as a viable short-term option.

PROPOSITION 1F - NO POSITION
Legislative pay increases

Proposition 1F would prohibit legislators and the Governor from receiving pay increases in years when the state budget is running a deficit.

California State PTA's resolutions and positions do not provide sufficient authority for a position to be taken on this measure.


More detailed information about these measures will be provided soon.

Cultural Arts: UCI Family Night at the Symphony

UCI Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Tucker, conductor

Present
“Distant Worlds”

Rossini – Overture to William Tell
Kang – Charkesh, the Turning (World Premiere) - Hossein Omoumi, ney
Bloch – Suite for Viola and Orchestra, Jerzy Kosmala
Dvorak – Symphony No. 9, "from the New World"

May 1 & 2, 8:00 p.m.
Barclay Theatre
Pre-concert conversation: May 1, 7:00 p.m.

Family Night at the Symphony

Special Offer: Tickets $9.00 for ALL Orange County students and their families!
For tickets go to: ticketmaster.com or Call the Arts Box Office: 949/824-2787
Mention this ad and the name of your school…Bring the whole family to this awesome concert!

Fourth District PTA Advocacy Roundtable

Fourth District PTA Advocacy Roundtable

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009
9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Orange County Department of Education, Bldg D Room 1001
200 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626

Guest speakers:
Suzan Solomon & Brian Bonner, CAPTA Legislative Team
presenting

Propositions Slated in the May 19 Special Election


They will explain the propositions’ effects on education and the ramifications on the state budget. Bring YOUR ideas to fix our state budget problems!!


ALL ARE WELCOME. NO NEED TO RSVP, JUST SHOW UP... WE’D LOVE TO HAVE YOU!

If you have questions, please contact 4th District Advocacy Roundtable Chairs:
Kim Anderson or Sylvia Derby at: roundtables@fourthdistrictpta.org

Location Notes: OCDE is at the corner of Kalmus and Red Hill; the nearest freeway exit is the Baker exit off the 55. Building D is in the rear left hand corner of the OCDE property. Go around the left side of the front building to the rear parking lot.



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