Proposition 49 Trailer Bill Not Included in Budget Act

October 8, 2010

Dear Colleagues,

This morning, on the 100th day of the 2010/11 Fiscal Year, the Legislature has passed the tardiest Budget Act in California's history. After-school advocates were pleased to learn that the proposal to place Proposition 49 back on a future ballot, which was approved by the Budget Conference Committee on August 4, was not included in any of the trailer bills that were introduced during the lengthy floor session.

We all recognized that Governor Schwarzenegger, as the primary architect of Proposition 49, would likely veto the bill if passed, but that was also the case two years ago when a similar bill, AB 1526, passed the Legislature by a collective vote of 92-18. We do not yet know exactly why the Legislature chose not to act upon the Committee's decision, but the collective advocacy efforts of our after-school community was certainly a contributing factor. Thank you to all who contacted your local representatives to urge opposition to this proposal.

Despite today's good news, however, we can expect that the Legislative Analyst's Office will continue to recommend that Proposition 49 be repealed, and that recommendation will almost certainly find a receptive audience in the next legislative session. It is more important than ever to strengthen our advocacy efforts in Sacramento, and for every entity with a vested interest in the ASES Program to contribute to that effort.

Yours in Partnership,

Steven Amick

Executive Director