STATE BUDGET UPDATE #24

July 9, 2009
Budget Update # 24
What’s New at the Federal Level

On May 8th, the Administration announced a new initiative that would help recently unemployed workers receive technical and higher education training while receiving unemployment benefits.This initiative was developed as an opportunity to give folks who have lost their jobs the chance to go back to school and train for the jobs of tomorrow. Currently, you cannot receive unemployment benefits while receiving Pell Grants for school. This would change. Pell Grants cover tuition at almost every community college in the country, and unemployment benefits can
help those studying to gain new skills to support their families at the same time.

The President said that our most unappreciated asset in this country is our community college system. More information can be found at www.opportunity.gov.
What’s New at the State Level California still does not have a signed budget. We have passed our constitutional deadline and the state is now beginning to issue out IOU’s to state vendors and recipients of tax refunds. The state is expected to run out of cash by the end of July. The state has also seen its credit rating drop from A- to BBB, making it one of the lowest rated states in the nation. The Governor, just yesterday, released a new proposal that outlines reforms for CalWORKs, which includes child care. It is unknown whether or not these proposals will eventually get integrated into the larger discussion around closing the state deficit
gap.

ATTENTION Community Voices Parent / Provider Community:


Phone Action on Thursday, July 9th, 2009
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Here is an opportunity to take action regarding the State Budget Cuts without having to leave work!
Stop and take the time to read the attached flyer then…

CALL THE GOVERNOR AND LET HIM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!!!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Phone: (916) 445-2841



Be sure to make your call anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Encourage your friends, family and parents to call too!



If you cannot open the attached flyer, scroll down for direct phone numbers.

Action ALERT - Make Our Voices Heard
July/2009

As you well know, June 30th has come and gone and the state is no closer to having a signed budget than we were two weeks ago. This madness must stop. Below is a video message that has come from the office of the Speaker of the Assembly. Community Voices wants to share it with you!! Let's take action and remind this Governor that our voices count!


Governor Just Doesn't Care

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsYyB34qh6E

View this Assembly Access video to learn how to contact the Governor.

(Sacramento) - Governor Schwarzenegger is full of contradictions. He's making misleading claims about "massive waste, fraud and abuse" in state social services programs for publicity purposes but has admitted his own claims are wrong, telling the L.A. Times the problem is "not rampant." And, it does not seem he cares about the pain and suffering the state's financial crisis is inflicting. He told the New York Times, "Whatever happens, I will sit down in my Jacuzzi tonight. I'm going to lay back with a stogie." Tell the Governor to stop the CONTRADICTIONS. Tell the Governor it's time to care.

Call Governor Swarzenegger's Office at (916) 445-2841
Let him know you will not take this lying down!

Phone Action for July 9th, 2009 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

ATTENTION Community Voices Parent / Provider Community:


Phone Action on Thursday, July 9th, 2009
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Here is an opportunity to take action regarding the State Budget Cuts without having to leave work!
Stop and take the time to read the attached flyer then…

CALL THE GOVERNOR AND LET HIM KNOW HOW YOU FEEL!!!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Phone: (916) 445-2841



Be sure to make your call anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Encourage your friends, family and parents to call too!