Newsom Headed to Sacramento After All?

Rumors all over San Francisco in the past few days are that Mayor Gavin Newsom may be throwing his hat back in the ring for a run for state office —not as Governor this time, but as Lt. Governor, positioning him against other Democratic contenders like L.A. City Councilwoman Janice Hahn and state Senator Dean Florez.  As Mayor Newsom’s most recent political aspirations become public, speculation grows about the implications for our city. Just when we hoped Mayor Newsom might tune back in and focus on creative solutions to the economic crisis facing families in the city, he might be soon again in campaign mode. Should he be elected, the Board of Supervisors would have the charge of voting in his interim replacement—or the new Board President may step into that role-- most likely elevating a member of the Supervisor's 'progressive wing' to the most powerful position in city government. Stay tuned!  For a recent SF Chronicle article, click here.

SF City Budget—DCYF Mid-Year Cuts and Mayor Newsom’s Reaganomics Plan

This past week, we’ve heard that DCYF unexpectedly needs to cut $2.2 million in mid-year reductions from the Children’s Fund, based on the 6-month budget status report that was released last week. The good news is that in the current year, the city's budget has gone from a $28 million deficit, to a $29 million year-end balance. The bad news is that while the property tax revenue is improving, there is a $1.6 million deficit in the current year for the Children's Fund, which was somehow not identified in the 3-month report, plus an additional $700,000 from several years ago which was never deducted from the Children’s Fund—meaning that now, DCYF unexpectedly needs to make $2.2 million in cuts to their Children’s Fund allocations.  We’re not totally sure how this information wasn’t addressed earlier, but we expect to hear more soon from DCYF about how they plan to address this new deficit.  For the full 6-month report, click here.

Also this week, Mayor Gavin Newsom’s two proposals to give tax breaks to downtown businesses were heard at the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Finance Committee.  One of the Mayor’s proposals (co-sponsored by Supervisor Dufty) would “revise” payroll taxes for businesses to 'encourage jobs growth and creation'. We certainly need jobs, no doubt about that. But the proposal is old-school Reaganomics, hoping tax breaks for business 'trickle down' to jobs for working people. But the reality is that this policy would cost the City of San Francisco $72 million over the next two years, increasing the deficit for next year to $550 million, and inevitably meaning an increase in service cuts and city job layoffs.  Is he serious!?  Are we as a City honestly considering a proposal that blatantly serves the interest of business while increasing the budget burden on the backs of the City’s children, the poor, and working class families?  There is no guarantee of job creation, but we can pretty confidently guarantee that the jobs potentially being created are not being designed for the city's young people of color, or for the city's 40,000 low-income families, the majority of whom are low-wage workers struggling to survive and take care of their families in this economic crisis.

We have a commitment, not just as Coleman, but as a City, to prioritize solutions to the City’s economic crisis that minimize the impact on our most economically and politically vulnerable residents.  We have met with Tax Assessor Phil Ting, the Controller’s office and members of the Board of Supervisors about the city budget and about progressive budget solutions, including progressive new revenue.  This cannot be a conversation just about cuts, and it certainly cannot be a conversation about tax breaks for downtown while the safety net for families and other poor and low-income people in San Francisco is being shred to pieces.

For more information on Coleman's budget advocacy work, please contact Chelsea Boilard at (415) 239-0161 x19 or cboilard@colemanadvocates.org

Upcoming Events!

Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, February 23, 6:00pm @ 555 Franklin Street

At the upcoming Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Carlos Garcia will be presenting a full budget proposal to the Board, including a request to approve 700 layoff notices, as well as cuts to many other areas of SF public education.  Though some budget decisions have already been made, this is the opportunity for the public to hear what the Superintendent is proposing, and to speak up!  Also at this meeting, the Board will be voting on the Ethnic Studies proposal, which Coleman has been actively supporting, and a policy ensuring city-wide access to AP classes.  For more information about our Education Equity work, please contact Pecolia Manigo at (415) 239-0161 x21 or pmanigo@colemanadvocates.org.

Coleman's Community Budget Briefing
Wednesday, February 24, 9:45-12pm
@ the Bernal Gateway Community Room,
3101 Mission Street (at Cesar Chavez)

As the budget fight this year gears up, the community needs to be prepared for what to expect from this budget season, and begin to think about strategy.  Special guests will include Raquel Redondiez from Supervisor Avalos' office, and Leo Levenson from the Controller's office!  Join us, hear an update on the budget planning for this year and next fiscal year, and be a part of the strategizing for how to preserve a safety net for SF children, youth and families!!  PLEASE RSVP to Chelsea: cboilard@colemanadvocates.org.

"Public Education: Funding Our Future" Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, February 25th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm
Marina Middle School: 3500 Fillmore Street (@ Chestnut)
Translation provided in Spanish and Chinese
Childcare provided with RSVP:
www.fundingourfuturesf.com

San Francisco Unified School District is forecasting state budget cuts of 10%-20% for the 2010-2011 school year.  It is imperative that we find real short and long-term solutions to this unprecedented budget crisis!  On February 25th, join a coalition of parents and city organizations in a community discussion to explore creative solutions to the pending budget cuts, look at smarter long-term budget reform, and talk about local and state-wide parental advocacy efforts.  Event panelists include Senator Mark Leno, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, Superintendent Carlos Garcia, President David Chiu of the Board of Supervisors and President Jane Kim of the Board of Education.  This event is co-sponsored by the State PTA, SFUSD, SF Education Fund, Friends of the Public Library, Parents for Public Schools, UESF, Coleman Advocates and SFOP.  For more information and to get involved, visit the website at: www.fundingourfuturesf.com.