Assemblymember Swanson will host a regional town hall on California’s Budget Crisis  at Encinal High School in Alameda on Saturday May 3rd.  The event is scheduled to begin at 10 AM and run until 12 PM.

“The Governor has proposed cutting all government services by 10% across the board.  There is an incredible outcry against his plan for the damage it would do to education, social services, and other functions that people expect from their government. In these incredibly difficult budget times, and with so many vital services at stake, it is important that we have a conversation about what our priorities in this state really are.  That discussion has to begin in our communities,” Assemblymember Swanson stated. 

The town hall will include discussions of the education and health care budget cut proposals, as well as other areas of the budget.   However, the direction of the discussion will largely be determined by attendees, as most of the town hall will be centered on a question and answer session between the public and State elected officials. 

In addition to Assemblymember Swanson, Assembly Budget Chair John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) will make a presentation on the budget. Assemblymembers Loni Hancock (D-El Cerrito) and Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) are also confirmed to participate in the event.

“Our biggest goal for the town hall is to leave the people informed and energized,” Assemblymember Swanson stated.  “We will provide specific and effective ways for individuals to make their priorities heard in Sacramento.  At the end of the day, that is what is going to sway the conversation.  It will take ordinary people standing up and telling their elected officials, including the Governor, that they will not accept a budget balanced on the backs of our children and our most vulnerable,” he concluded.

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PRESS NOTE: For more information on the event, please contact Douglas MacLean, Communications Director, at (916) 319-2016.