Every week at All Saints Church we put our faith into action. This week we have TWO ACTIONS going to the California State Assembly:

1. School Safety, Disclosure of Firearms in Student’s Homes
2. Access to Food Assistance in California

One action is supporting SB 906 (Portantino) School safety: mass casualty threats: firearm disclosure. The bill would require local educational agencies to require parents or guardians of a pupil to disclose whether any firearms are located at the home of the pupil and to answer questions about the ownership, storage, and accessibility by the pupil of the firearms.

In the other action we are working with Bread for the World in supporting several pieces of legislation currently in the California Assembly that will address several facets of hunger in California. They are listed and described below and the Action Letter urges our members of the Assembly to support them:

AB 2589: Because tax credits lift more people out of poverty in our country than any other program, AB 2589 Earned Income Tax Credit will benefit nearly 5 million Californians, 2 million of whom are children, through a one-time payment of $2,000 per child dependent to residents who earned less than $30,000 in 2021. AB 2589 will also raise the minimum tax credit to $255 per eligible tax filer.

SB 364: This removes the stigma of who qualifies for meal assistance and who doesn’t by providing free school meals for all children in public schools. It ensures ALL children eat well at school. Healthy food and nutrition play an essential part in student success.

SB 464: Immigrants to California contribute to our economy, pay taxes and play an important role in our society but are among our most vulnerable and hungry people which is exasperated by being denied access to public food programs.

SB 641: Before the pandemic, 44% of college students in California faced food insecurity, and the percentage was even higher at community colleges. Food insecurity on college campuses leads too many students to drop out of college. SB 641 makes it easier for low-income college students to access food assistance.

SB 1304: California spends $16 billion per year on Corrections and over $100,000 annually on each inmate. Instead of paying for a system that sets up people to fail when they leave prison, let’s invest in helping Returning Citizens succeed rather than risk recidivism. It’s in everyone’s interests that people leaving prison find jobs, housing, and food. SB 1304 will increase the “release allowance” set in 1973 from $200 to $2,590 for Returning Citizens to reflect current costs of food and housing

The pandemic has left too many Californians facing hunger and poverty, including immigrants. Fortunately, the state has a budget surplus and can do something to help vulnerable people escape hunger.

Please urge your member of the California State Assembly to support this legislation.

Options to Take Action:

1. 1. Sign a letter to your member of the California Assembly at the Action Table.
   2. Download a PDF copies of the Action Letters, sign and mail them to your member of the Assembly.
      Action Letter on Gun Safety
      Action Letter on Food Assistance

++++++++

If you ever need to look up your member of the U.S. House of Representatives or your U.S. Senators check here: www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.

To find contact information for your California State Senator or California State Assemblyperson check here: www.senate.ca.gov and www.assembly.ca.gov.