Budget Hearings Begin to Address State’s Shortfall

Assemblymember Ruskin Attends Charity Fundraiser

Assemblymember Ruskin attended the 10th annual San Carlos Lions Club Crab Feed on January 19th.  Proceeds from the event went to the Lions Club’s Youth & Community Activities Fund that sponsors sports teams, 4-H projects, Girl Scout & Boy Scout programs, academic scholarship programs, etc, as well as a donation to the San Carlos Parks & Recreation Foundation. (Picture: San Carlos Councilmember Omar Ahmad (left); Vice Mayor Bob Grasilli (center); Assemblymember Ira Ruskin (right))

As Chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Assemblymember Ruskin began the critical process of holding hearings on the Governor’s budget proposals that pertain to environmental protection and natural resources, with two hearings in the last two weeks of January.  More will follow.  These hearings are in response to the Governor’s proposed budget for the mid-term deficit and the budget year (2008). 
“As the non-partisan analysis by the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) states,” said Mr. Ruskin, “across the board cuts, as the Governor has proposed, are not the appropriate way to address a budget shortfall.  Much like a household budget, programs must be prioritized.

College Scholarship Opportunity

Through the Campaign for College Opportunity’s Save Me a Spot in College Scholarship Contest,we are inviting California students in grades 6 through 12 to submit a written word, poster or television ad answering the question, “Why should California leaders save you and your peers a spot in college?” This contest is an opportunity for students to win $500-$2,500 college scholarships. Over $100,000 in scholarships will be distributed to winners across California.
The deadline to submit entries is March 15, 2008. To learn more about the scholarship contest, register, become a contest partner, schedule a classroom presentation, or volunteer as a judge in your area visit www.collegecampaign.org/contest or call Assemblymember Ruskin’s office at (650) 691-2121.

Ruskin Joins King Plaza Dedication

Assemblymember Ira Ruskin joined other local leaders to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and dedicate the plaza outside Palo Alto City Hall as King Plaza, in honor of Dr. King and his wife Coretta Scott King.  A large crowd joined members of the Palo Alto and East Palo Alto city councils for the unveiling of a new plaque commemorating the lives of the Kings.

"I'm really moved," Assemblyman Ruskin said.  "Some of us wonder from time to time if enough people remember the works that have been undertaken and the tasks that remain before us. I'm so proud to represent you all," Ruskin said.  “Civil rights is not just a struggle from our past.  We must continue to protect the rights of all our citizens and fight to bring equal rights for everyone.  There is still work to be done, and Dr. King and his wife serve as an inspiration to all of us.”

Cal Grants for Students Available

Assemblymember Ira Ruskin wants to ensure that students in our district who are considering college next year, and their parents, are aware of Cal Grants. The program provides up to $9,700 in grants a year. The grants do not have to be repaid. They are available through the California Student Aid Commission.  Cal Grants are good at all UCs, CSUs, community colleges, and most private, career, and technical schools in California.

To apply, students can contact Assemblymember Ruskin’s office or visit the web at: www.calgrants.org.  The deadline to apply is March 2.  There are workshops available in February in many locations throughout the Bay Area. Visit the website for more information.

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get money for college. If you meet the eligibility requirements and submit two forms by March 2, you are guaranteed a Cal Grant.