September 2, 2004
| TO: | CLA Members/ Systems/ Network Contacts |
| FROM: | Mike Dillon, Lobbyist Christina Dillon, Lobbyist |
| RE: | NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL |
GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE IN DOUBT ON LIBRARY BOND BILL - "FULL COURT PRESS" NEEDED
As you know, SB 1161-Alpert, the $600 million library bond construction and renovation bond bill, sponsored by CLA, is currently on the Governor's desk, awaiting his signature or veto. Senator Alpert and our office have received word that unless we make a compelling case for the Governor to sign the measure, SB 1161 is more than likely going to be vetoed.
The Department of Finance and at least one member of the Governor's Cabinet continue to be concerned about the state taking on any more bonded indebtedness at this time. CLA will need to demonstrate that the $600 million is a modest-priced bond and the need for new library construction and renovation is huge. The bottom line is the Governor needs to hear from hundreds of diverse supporters of the bond. The CLA Bond Task Force is currently working to exhaust all resources relative to contacts and connections, in order to elicit support for the bond bill. In particular, CLA would like your assistance in the particular areas listed below - if you have contacts with any individuals within these segments, please contact them TODAY and ask them to write a brief letter (please provide them with assistance if necessary) of support for SB 1161-Alpert and mail it or fax it to the Governor immediately.
- Entertainment industry
- Chambers of Commerce
- Construction firms
- Architecture firms
- Mayors and local government officials
- Education groups
In addition, for any of you who may have listened to Governor Schwarzenegger's speech at the Republican Convention Tuesday night, one of the prevailing themes you may have heard was that of the "possibility and potential for immigrants." If you have strong immigrant literacy programs, or immigrant patrons who have benefited from the programs in your libraries, please ask these patrons to write a letter of support. Lastly, if your library features effective after school programs, the Governor continues to be an avid advocate of after school programs for school-aged youth, so please highlight your successful program in your letter.
Please note: while the Governor has until September 30 to sign or veto the bill, it is imperative that you get your support letters in to the Governor's office as soon as possible, as he can act on the bill at any time.
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor, State of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA. 95814
Attn: Pam Oto, Office of Governor Schwarzenegger
Fax: (916) 445-4633