Clarence Lobo Elementary PTA Home Page

• The 2009/10 State Budget general fund is $84.6 billion.  Mac Taylor, California's Legislative Analyst, released a report which projects a $20.7 billion budget deficit through June, 2011.  The $20.7 billion budget problem consists of a $6.3 billion projected deficit for 2009-10 and a $14.4 billion gap between projected revenues and spending in 2010-11.  Taylor recommends that state lawmakers move quickly and consider not only cuts, but any possible revenue sources, although he specifically warns against increasing tax rates, which could further stress the economy.  Taylor believes a multi-year approach is needed because, in 2008 and 2009, the state repeatedly approached insolvency - unable at times to meet some of its basic financial obligations in a timely way.

RACE TO THE TOP FUNDS AND CALIFORNIA'S SPECIAL SESSION:

The Assembly was set to take another step toward taking up "Race to the Top" legislation on December 2 when it convened for the first reading of its version of legislation aimed at ensuring California schools are eligible for the federal competitive grants.

Lieutenant Governor Appointment:  On November 23rd, Governor Schwarzenegger made the announcement that he has appointed Abel Maldonado to be the State's Lieutenant Governor.  Maldonado, if confirmed by the legislature, will serve the remainder of the term of Democrat John Garamendi.

FEDERAL:

• Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) ARRA funds - The application and regulations for the second phase of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund were recently released by the Federal Government.  California must apply by January 11, 2010 and is eligible to receive nearly $488 million.  The Race to the Top grant application is now available.  California has two opportunities to apply for up to $700 million.  Phase 1 applications are due January 19th, with a March decision on funding, and Phase 11 applications are due June 1st with an August decision on funding. 

YOUR VOICE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  WE OWE IT TO OUR CHILDREN TO BE INFORMNED AND VOCAL ABOUT ISSUES IN EDUCATION!

LEGISLATIVE TEAM MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2009/10:

Meetings to be held at District Offices located in San Juan Capistrano

______________________________________________________

Friday, September 11, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, October 9, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, November 6, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, December 4, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, January 8, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, March 5, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, April 2, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

Friday, May 7, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

________________________________________________

• PTA is nonpartisan and never endorses or opposes a candidate for public office.
• PTA does take positions on issues that affect children and youth.

PTA participates in the Legislative process by encouraging citizens to vote, by providing information and by advocating for the PTA positions. 

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

•  A team of dedicated PTA volunteers (Legislative "Leg" Reps) from Capistrano Unified School District meets with area legislators to lobby for education every 2-3 weeks. 
• Capistrano Unified School District has one of the most vocal and respected team of advocates who under the leadership of Kim Johnson just this year won several highly coveted awards for their dedication and tenancity for their advocacy efforts.

 
           Introduction to Capistrano Unified School District's 

                                           Legislative Team 

* The CUCPTSA Legislative Team is made up of one or more PTA

 representatives from each school in our district. 
 
*Leg Team members are appointed by each school's

 PTA president. 
 
*The purpose of the Leg Team is to advocate for all public school 

children in our district and in the state. 
 
*Each year, we create our legislative agenda, which outlines the key 

issues we will focus on in the coming school year at a local, state and

 federal level. 
 
* Once we set our agenda, we then advocate for those key issues 

through meetings and communication with our school board, and our

 government representatives in Sacramento and Washington, DC. 
 
* The Leg Team publishes monthly reports on legislation, policies, 
and key decisions affecting public school children at the local, state

and federal levels.  The reports are available online at 

 www.cucptsa.com <http://www.cucptsa.com/> , click on "Stay Informed" and 
sign up for the Legislation Alerts list.]