--- On Thu, 5/14/09, Josefina Canchola <[log in to unmask]> wrote: Dear Puente and Academic Preparation Program Supporters: We just learned that Governor Schewarzenneger has proposed to key members of the legislator that Puente, MESA, EAOP and other UC and CSU Academic Preparation Programs be completely eliminated from the California State budget. As you know, Academic Preparation Programs allow educationally disadvantage students an opportunity to prepare and attain higher education.. The elimination of such programs would be devistating to communities of low socio-economic backgrounds, first-generation college potentials, and other underrepresented student populations. We are asking for your IMMEDIATE assitance in contacting the following legilsative offices: * All Democratic Senate and Assembly members *Assembly Speaker Karen Bass *Senator Gloria Romero *Assembly Pro Tem Lori Saldana *Senate Pro Tem Denise Ducheny to DEMAND that UC and CSU Academic Preparation Programs are protected from the Governor's elimination proposal and that Puente, MESA, EAOP and all other Academic Preparation Programs continue to be provided funding and in fact be fully protected from any additional fund reductions (Academic Preparation Programs are currently operating on a 50 % budget than they were three years ago). We ask that you assist us in protecting Academic Preparation Programs from eliminiation, and at the same time ensuring that California's diverse student population is reflected in the UC and CSU systems by serving as a pathway to educational equity. For your convenience, here is their contact information: Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny: Capitol Office Phone: (916) 651-4040 Fax: (916) 327-3522 State Capitol, Room 5035 Sacramento, CA 95814 Senator Gloria Romero: Email: [ http:[log in to unmask] ][log in to unmask] Capitol Office State Capitol, Room 2090 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 651-4024 Fax: (916) 445-0485 Assembly woman Lori Saldana: Capitol Office State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0076 (916) 319 - 2076 (916) 319 - 2176 Fax Assembly Speaker Karen Bass: District Office 5750 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 565 Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 937-4747 (323) 937-3466 fax In advance, thank you for your IMMEDIATE ACTION to this request. The academic opportunity future for thousands of students in California is in your hands. Please mobilize and support Academic Preparation Programs by calling, emailing, or faxing these legislators TODAY.. Sincerely, Josefina Canchola Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Leadership Institue Graduate 2001