In just a few months, the California Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education will come together to discuss funding for After School Education and Safety (ASES), which means we need to take advantage of the time we have now to voice to our legislature the importance of afterschool and the need to support more funding for these programs. Here’s what’s coming up:
Tuesday, May 7
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #2 will discuss our request for more funding for ASES
Hearing starts at 9:00 AM, Room 447
Factsheet on budget request
Thursday, May 9
Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 will discuss our request for more funding for ASES
Hearing starts at 9:30 AM or upon adjournment of Senate Floor Session, Room 3191
Factsheet on budget request
How you can Help
Here are some instructions from SaveAfterschool on how you can support:
Ask your Assembly Member and Senator to sign this letter of support to increase funding for the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program. Legislators are more likely to take action if they know people in their district are requesting help; your contact can help make the difference for afterschool this year.
STEP 1: Find your representative.
STEP 2: Call or email your representative(s) and ask them to sign this letter.
Sample call script:
Hello, my name is ____ and I'm calling from [city]____ in your district. I am calling in support of a budget request to increase funding for afterschool programs so that they don't close. [Briefly explain why you value afterschool programs / what would happen if your child's program shut down.] Afterschool programs are critical to keep kids safe and learning after school, and to allow parents to keep working to support their families. I have a sign on letter that I can send for [Assemblymember/Senator_____] to review and hopefully sign. What is the best email address to send it to?
Sample email (just copy, paste, and fill in the blanks!):
Hello, my name is ____ and I'm writing from [city]____ in your district. I am writing in support of a budget request to increase funding for afterschool programs so that they don't close. [Briefly explain why you value afterschool programs / what would happen if your child's program shut down.] Afterschool programs are critical to keep kids safe and learning after school, allowing their parents to keep working to support their families. Please find a legislative sign on letter attached, as well as some additional information. I hope that we have [Assemblymember/Senator_____]'s support.