Safe Routes to School – Take Action Now

In January, over 7,000 advocates and supporters signed a petition to Governor Brown requesting that Safe Routes to School and a number of key active transportation programs be protected under the Administration’s proposed new Active Transportation Program in the 2013-14 budget. Safe Routes to School National Partnership, CPEHN, PolicyLink, California Walks, Prevention Institute and other allies are recommending the Administration maintain a minimum guarantee of funding for Safe Routes to School, but so far our negotiations have reached a stalemate on this issue. In order to rally the State Legislature to support the continued dedicated funding for the program, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (San Francisco) has authored Assembly Bill 1194 that would maintain the Safe Routes to School Program as an independent, state-managed program with dedicated, level funding. Join the bill sponsor, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, in support of AB 1194!
Here are a few things you  can do to help:
1. Attend the Transportation Committee hearing on Apr 15! If you are in the Sacramento or can be on the afternoon of April 15, plan to come to the state Capitol at 1:30pm to pack the room and say “me too!” in support of AB-1194. The 4/15 hearing will likely be the most critical opportunity to express support for the bill and show the Administration that Safe Routes to School should continue to be a top state priority! Please contact [email protected] for more info.
2. Send a letter of support of AB 1194 to the Transportation Committee from your organization, or request one from your town/city/county. See this sample letter of support that you can tailor to your local or personal experience. Request letters NOW to ensure they are received by the Committee before the April 15 hearing!
3. Call your Assemblymember (That’s Holly Mitchell – hollyjmitchell.com) or visit his/her district office. Ask the staff if your Assemblymember is supportive of Safe Routes to School and tell them how important the program is to your local area. This is especially critical if you live in the district of an Assemblymember on the Transportation Committee.
We need your support to save Safe Routes to School!
PS – Save the date: Apr 17-18 for an post-hearing webinar to hear updates on the Governor’s Active Transportation Program proposal and progress of AB-1194: the Safe Routes to School bill.