Safe Routes to School and Menu Labeling:

Action Needed on Two Important Bills on Governor's Desk

In this action alert:

• AB57: Safe Routes to Schools
• SB120: Menu Labeling

AB57 Safe Routes to School on Governor Schwarzenegger's Desk

Click here for a sample letter to send to the Governor.

We need to make it as easy and safe as possible for kids to get physical activity, and creating safe routes to school is a great way to do that. 

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership, the sponsor of the State of California’s Safe Routes to School bill, AB57 (Soto), urges you to take action as soon as possible to call and fax Governor Schwarzenegger’s office to urge him to sign AB57.

On September 12, 2007, AB57 was enrolled by the State Legislature, and is now on the Governor’s desk. In Senate Appropriations on August 30, the committee struck the language from the bill requiring that the Governor include $24.25 million for Safe Routes to School (SR2S) in each year’s budget; Senate leaders contend that they like SRTS but that it’s better fiscal policy to not have ongoing appropriations.  

The bill is still extremely important as it will:
1) enable $52 million in existing SR2S funding to be spent after January 1, 2008 (the date that the current SR2S state bill expires),
2) allow for federal SR2S funds to be swapped for state funds (easing administrative burdens on local agencies), and
3) create a framework for state SR2S funding to be included in the state budget.

We urge ALL supporters of Safe Routes to School to contact Governor Schwarzenegger’s office as soon as possible with your support for AB57. It is critical that the Governor understands the depth of popular support for this important program.  After faxing or mailing your letter, follow-up by calling the Governor and leaving a message of your support.  If the fax number is busy throughout the day, just mail your letter.

SB120 Menu Labeling on Governor Schwarzenegger's Desk

SB 120 (Padilla/Migden), the bill that would require chain restaurants to post nutrition information on menus and menu boards has passed the Legislature and is on the Governor’s desk.  

The restaurant industry has mounted a major campaign to urge the Governor to veto SB 120. Supporters of SB 120 must continue to tell the Governor there is widespread support for the bill. Your voice is very important.  

Please fax the Governor today even if you have already contacted him. Tell the Governor that 84 percent of Californians want nutrition information on menus and menu boards. Urge him to lead the nation on menu labeling just as he did on getting soda and junk food out of schools

Click here for more information on how to contact the Governor regarding this important legislation.

WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE?

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity away from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility. Current Steering Committee members are: California Adolescent Nutrition and Fitness Program (CANFit), California Center for Public Health Advocacy, California Food Policy Advocates, California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, California Parks and Recreation Society, California Project LEAN, California WIC Association, Child Care Food Program Roundtable, Latino Health Access, Partnership for the Public's Health, Prevention Institute, Samuels & Associates and YMCA of the East Bay.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Strategic Alliance is currently engaged in building a broad and diverse statewide membership. To join or for more information, please visit us on the Web, www.eatbettermovemore.org, or contact Sana Chehimi at 510.444.7738 or Sana@preventioninstitute.org. And even if you're already a member, please forward this message on to your colleagues so we can continue to strengthen our coalition. Thank you!

The Strategic Alliance is reframing the debate on nutrition and physical activity--from a focus on individual choice and lifestyle, towards one of environment and corporate and government responsibility.

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