The main hope of a nation lies in the proper education of its youth - Erasmus

California education is at a crossroads. Voters were prevented from going to the ballot box to decide whether current tax rates would be extended to protect education and other vital services. We're hearing news of more devastating cuts to our district and districts throughout California. To a certain extent, Alameda is in a better position than many other districts as we were able to pass Measure A and avoid devastating cuts. In a conversation with AUSD Board Member, Mike McMahon he stated " .. failure to pass the tax extensions will put us back to square one."

As difficult as it is to hear that about our district, the cuts being discussed will be devastating to many of our neighboring cities, especially Oakland and Hayward, as well as districts throughout the state. It has been said we could see up to 1/3 of California School Districts placed on the State Watch due to fiscal challenges, the first step towards receivership.

There is good news, tax revenues improved at an unexpected rate demonstrating a possible sign of recovery. However, this one time event is being used as an argument the extensions are unnecessary and critical services will be protected through current legislative protections. And what do you think will happen if cuts are required, thousands of lost jobs in our state putting stress on an already fragile economy. The circle begins again.

So what can we do. We can act! I've contacted my State Assemblymen and Senator as well as the Speaker of the Assembly thanking them for their continued fight for education and asking them to continue to do everything in their power to prevent any additional erosion to education. I also called the Governor's office doing the same adding, as a voter, I was far more concerned he continued to work with legislators to protect school funding than I was about my ability to vote on tax extensions.

So now I'm asking you to do the same. Please e-mail or phone your elected officials and let them know ensuring quality education for our youth is the most important job we have entrusted them with. For those in Alameda, I've provided the contact information of your elected officials below. Those in other districts can visit http://www.smartvoter,org/ to obtain your legislator information. It's quick and easy and you will be glad you've done something to save education in California.

As I've always said, if you don't have a voice you don't get a voice. So speak up!!

Assemblyman Sandre Swanson  sandre@sandreSwanson.org  916-319-2016
Senator Loni Hancock   Senator.Hancock@sen.ca.gov   916-651-4009
Speaker of the Assembly, John A Perez assemblymember.john.perez@asm.ca.gov  916-319-2046
Governor Jerry Brown  http://www.govmail.com/  916-445-2841