A Message to our Legislators

How can the Government help?

As we are all acutely aware, the incidents of juvenile crime are increasing at an alarming rate in every district in California. California PAL's ability to expand its programs to adequately serve our at-risk youth is directly dependent upon the amount of revenue it receives. To this end, it is crucial that we have the full support of our elected representatives throughout the state and in local government. California PAL needs the support of every elected representative so that we can pass legislation that will affect the lives of California's youth.

The California Police Activities League would like to present a four part plan that should be adopted into effective legislation to reduce youth violence. The plan would call on federal, state and local governments to:

• Shut down "prime time for juvenile crime" by assuring families access to youth development programs after school and during the summer.
• Prevent child abuse by offering at-home coaching to at-risk parents, and giving police and case workers the resources to investigate reported abuse and take action.
• Assure that, when parents are working, pre-school children have access to quality pre-school programs proven to dramatically reduce the risk they'll become violent.
• Intervene early with proven programs to get troubled kids back on track.

How to Influence Your Local Government:

At city council meetings there is little debate because most legislation, whether they come from the public, city agencies or the Mayor are the subject of committee hearings and have been studied for sometime before the final vote. Unlike state government that meets for a set number of days, local government meets throughout the year requiring you to maintain a constant vigil of local government activities.

Local government's decisions are influenced by a number of factors: fear of creating a precedent, department heads, executive priorities and the public opinion.

Steps to Influence Your City Government to Fund PAL:

• Start early in the process (usually three months after the new fiscal year begins)
• Talk with members of the council and the executive branch- City Manager, Mayor, or County Executive (Board of Supervisors) - directly about your budget priorities.
• What issues do you want to address for your PAL?
• Find out what agency handles the issues. Does the agency's budget reflect your priorities?
• Identify who has the power to make the decisions you want and the opportunities available to influence those decisions. Interviewing staff and others who are knowledgeable and develop an organized timeline to advance your initiative.

How do I obtain a budget? How do I find out how much money is spent on areas like human services, economic development, and police? Today, many cities/counties load budget summaries on-line for resident review. A budget is often available from the local library, city or county clerk, or the Executive or Council's office. These summaries are often loaded with descriptive text that provide staff and elected officials with "rationale" for the proposed budget.

Once you identify the people and the agencies, consider:

• Who must you get to first, before those listed above?
• Who is appointed? Elected?
• How do you have power/influence with them (as a Police Dept.)?

  There are five ways to influence the budget process.

• Contact a supportive councilperson as early as possible and engage them in your effort to have an impact on the budget.
• Contact budget and management staff members. Begin with a phone call to the budget staff person who monitors the agency or issues you are concerned with.
• Meet with relevant agency heads because they set policy and funding priorities.
• Build public support for your cause. Develop a media campaign to support your organization.
• Hold a site visit to build public awareness and momentum for your PAL.

Where to go on the Internet for Public Policy Resources

Learn about Congress:

www.leginfo.ca.gov

This is the official site for California Legislator information. The site is maintained by the Legislative Counsel. Provides access to the day's events, bill information, California Law, legislators, Legislative Publications, and the Legislative Counsel.

www.sen.ca.gov
Official website of the California State Senate

www.assembly.ca.gov
Official website of the California State Assembly

www.congresslink.org
Congress Link provides information about the U.S. Congress, how it works, its member and leaders, and the public policies they produce.

www.lib.udel.edu
This site contains links to some of the best Web sites on Congress

http://thomas.loc.gov/
Provides access to U.S. Congress, legislative agencies, and commissions and information sources for legislative research.

www.congress.org
This site allows you to identify your members of Congress, send them e-mails, and learn more about their positions on issues. Also has in-depth information on the staff who really get things done on the "hill". There are helpful tips on writing, e-mailing, and calling your representatives.

Political Activism:

www.vote-smart.org
Comprehensive information on federal, state, and local candidates and elected officials.

www.speakout.com
Allows you to directly lobby members of Congress on any issue under the sun.

www.calvoter.org
The California Voter Foundation - Bipartisan online electoral information and voter guides.