[SDCBC] FW: Urgent: AB57 Safe Routes to School on Governor's Desk - Please Call with Your Support

[Kathy Keehan]

From: Deb Hubsmith [mailto:deb at saferoutespartnership.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:44 PM
To: deb at saferoutespartnership.org
Subject: Urgent: AB57 Safe Routes to School on Governor's Desk - Please Call
with Your Support

 

ACTION ALERT

AB57 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
ON GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER'S DESK
CALL (916-445-2841) and FAX (916-445-4633) WITH YOUR SUPPORT ASAP


The Safe Routes to School National Partnership, the sponsor of the State of
California's Safe Routes to School bill, AB57 (Soto), urges you to take
action as soon as possible to call and fax Governor Schwarzenegger's office
to urge him to sign AB57.

On September 12, 2007, AB57 was enrolled by the State Legislature, and is
now on the Governor's desk.  In Senate Appropriations on August 30, the
committee struck the language from the bill requiring that the Governor
include $24.25 million for Safe Routes to School (SR2S) in each year's
budget; Senate leaders contend that they like SRTS but that it's better
fiscal policy to not have ongoing appropriations.  

The bill is still extremely important as it will:
1) enable $52 million in existing SR2S funding to be spent after January 1,
2008 (the date that the current SR2S state bill expires), 
2) allow for federal SR2S funds to be swapped for state funds (easing
administrative burdens on local agencies), and 
3) create a framework for state SR2S funding to be included in the state
budget.

We urge ALL supporters of Safe Routes to School to contact Governor
Schwarzenegger's office as soon as possible with your support for AB57. It
is critical that the Governor understands the depth of popular support for
this important program.  After faxing or mailing your letter, follow-up by
calling the Governor and leaving a message of your support.  If the fax
number is busy throughout the day, just mail your letter.  See a sample
support letter below.  Please make sure to make the phone call to show your
support for AB57.

Thank you.

Sample AB57 (Soto) Support Letter to Governor Schwarzenegger

Note:  Please personalize your letter if possible.  If you represent an
organization, there is language included in italics for you to use.  If you
represent an individual please do send a letter, just don't use the language
in italics. Fill in the ______ spaces as appropriate. 

September __, 2007

The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax:  916-445-4633

Re:  SIGN AB57 (Soto): Safe Routes to School

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

I'm writing in support of AB57, Safe Routes to School.  I represent the
XXXXXX, an organization whose mission is to XXXXXXXX.  We urge you to sign
the bill so that it will become law.  

Safe Routes to School is a popular program that first came into existence in
California through state legislation that was approved in 1999.  A recent
report by Caltrans shows that through the construction of sidewalks,
pathways and other safety improvements, the program is working to decrease
injuries and fatalities and to get more children walking and bicycling to
schools.  This helps to increase physical activity and combat childhood
obesity, one of your key priorities.

In my local community of ____________, Safe Routes to School funds have been
used to ______________________________.  The program has helped to improve
safety and _______________________.

AB57 will create a framework for the future use of state funds for the Safe
Routes to School program as part of the annual budget process.  Over the
past seven years, the state has dedicated an average of $24.25 million for
Safe Routes to School each year.  I hope that you will sign AB57 and include
such a budget provision in your proposed January budget.

Safe Routes to School is important for creating healthy communities and
supporting the health, safety, and mobility of children in California.  I
look forward to your support.

Sincerely,


Name
Address



______________________ 

Deb Hubsmith
Director
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
______________________

415/454-7430
deb at saferoutespartnership.org
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org <http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/>

PO Box 663 * Fairfax, CA * 94978

Don't miss the 1st Safe Routes to School National Conference: 
Creating, Bu ilding and Sustaining Momentum, November 5-7-2007. 
Sign up at: http://www.saferoutesmichigan.org/nationalconference.htm.

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