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September 15, 2006
Don’t Let Gov. Schwarzenegger Veto the California Dream Act!
In an Op-Ed piece (Keep the Immigration Debate Civil) published in the LA Times on Tuesday, Governor Schwarzenegger wrote: “[Immigrants] must pay a fine for breaking our laws. They must learn English and become part of our culture. They must pay back taxes and pay for healthcare and education rather than expect American taxpayers to pay extra when some cannot even afford healthcare or college for their own children.”
This piece is hinting at the possibility that the Governor will likely be vetoing Sen. Gil Cedillo’s SB 160, the California Dream Act.This bill would allow AB 540 students to qualify for in-state financial aid such as the Cal Grant and the California Community College Board of Governors Fee Waiver. When AB 540 passed in 2001, the removal of qualifying for in-state financial aid was the main compromise that had to be made in order to pass and allow undocumented high school graduates to attend California public institutions of higher education and pay in-state tuition.
September 30 is the last day for Gov. Schwarzenegger to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature before September 1 and in his possession on or after September 1 (California Constitution, Art. IV, Sec.10(b)(2)). In order for SB 160 to become effective the Governor can sign the bill into law or allow it to become law without his or her signature.
What does this mean?
This means that we must act now by showing our support for this bill and ensuring it becomes law, making higher education accessible to many deserving students.
What can you do?
Call the Governor:
The California DREAM Act is one of six bills that the Governor has chosen to monitor using his telephone call-in feature.- Call: (916) 445-2841 (Available 24 hours);
- Press: 1 - English (use English option because SB 160 is not in the Spanish option);
- Press: 2 - Voice Opinion on Legislation OR Press 5 to speak to a person (9am-5pm);
- Then Press: 6 - SB 160, California Dream Act.
E-mail the Governor:
- At governor@governor.ca.gov;
- Or visit: http://www.govmail.ca.gov.
Write the Governor:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
-- Sample Letter --You can also write his district offices to show your support >>>
Fax the Governor:
- Fax: 916-445-4633
-- Sample Letter --
You can also fax his district offices to show your support >>>
- Fax: 916-445-4633
District Offices |
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| Fresno Office 2550 Mariposa Mall #3013 Fresno, CA 93721 Phone: 559-445-5295 Fax: 559-445-5328 |
San Diego Office 1350 Front Street, Suite 6054 San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-525-4641 Fax: 619-525-4640 |
| Los Angeles Office 300 South Spring Street, Suite 16701 Los Angeles, CA 90013 Phone: 213-897-0322 Fax: 213-897-0319 |
San Francisco Office 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14000 San Francisco, CA 94102 Phone: 415-703-2218 Fax: 415-703-2803 |
| Riverside Office 3737 Main Street #201 Riverside, CA 92501 Phone: 951-680-6860 Fax: 951-680-6863 |
Washington D.C. Office 134 Hall of the States 444 North Capitol Street NW Washington D.C. 20001 Phone: 202-624-5270 Fax: 202-624-5280 |
