Join us at the State Capitol for the 15th annual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge on March 11-12 to tell the Governor and the Legislature that after school programs must be protected! Over 400,000 youth and their families rely on after school programs everyday, but insufficient funding puts them at risk of losing their program. Participating in this unique event gives you the opportunity to connect with your representatives in the legislature and stand with hundreds of students, families, after school providers, and other allies to raise your voice and advocate for adequate funding for after school programs.

Two Bills Introduced to Save After School 

Last month, California’s new Governor, Gavin Newsom, released his proposed budget. While we were pleased to see the Governor’s commitment to several important strategies for alleviating childhood poverty through his support of early learning, K-12 education, and healthcare, there was no additional funding for after school programs. As Governor Newsom noted in his campaign, after school programs are critical to educating the whole child, and ensuring that parents can work to support their families. Last week two bills were introduced in the California State Legislature to alleviate this funding gap and help sustain critical after school programs.

AB 1725  

After School Education and Safety Program: funding and grant amounts, introduced by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo. This bill would increase state funding by $112.8 million each year, raising the funding formula to $9.75 per student per day. Through careful analysis, the California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance determined that this is the increase needed to maintain our quality after school programs throughout the state in 2019-20. To make sure we don’t end up in the same position year after year, it is also critical that lawmakers adjust this funding as the state minimum wage and cost of living increase.

AB 1085 

After school programs: substance use prevention: funding: cannabis revenue, introduced by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. This bill would ensure that after school programs are seen as a vital youth substance use prevention tool and thus, an effective use of a portion of Prop. 64 funding.

How Can You Help?

1. Join us in Sacramento on March 12 to raise your voice for afterschool programs!
2. Add your voice in support of afterschool programs during the public comment section at the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing in Sacramento. The $112.8 million for ASES is on the agenda. Tuesday, March 26; 9:00 AM, Room 447. Register here to attend!
3. Letters of support for these bills will be collected in the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out for templates that you can customize.
4. Download this fact sheet detailing the benefits of afterschool programs and the need for this increased funding. Use it when you speak with your school, school district, neighbors, and community; encourage them to get involved to #SaveAfterSchool.