Write to Your Representatives

Governor Schwarzenegger

  http://gov.ca.gov/interact#email

Senator Don Perata email

  Senator.Perata@sen.ca.gov

Assembly Member Sandre Swanson

  http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=AD16&

Sample Letter

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

As a staunch supporter of public education, I oppose the Governor’s proposal to make $4.8 billion in budget cuts to public schools by suspending the Proposition 98 guarantee.

Cuts of this magnitude will undermine the student achievement progress we are seeing in California. Even before the current round of cuts, the State underfunds education by nearly $2,000 per pupil annually when compared to the national average.

In Piedmont, out of $28 million annually, the Governor’s proposal would result in a loss of $75,000 in revenues this year and $1.3 million next year. Since 2000, in response to diminishing funds from the State, our school district has cut its budget by over $1 million and vigilantly scrutinized costs. Future cuts will force our district to cut essential programs for kids.

A state budget proposal that looks at cuts alone is not a real solution to the State of California’s financial infrastructure problem. I urge you to use non-partisan, common sense to address the State’s long-term fiscal crisis by identifying a combination of cuts and revenue sources to fund the current and long-term deficit.

2008 was to be the year of education reform. It still can be. Please support the children of California and take ACTION on their behalf. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Your Address