Federal Stimulus??

Questions continue to abound regarding the federal stimulus package and its impact on our operations. While the intent of the federal stimulus is increasingly clear, the state response to all of that – including how it will impact us – remains to be seen. While we are theoretically receiving more money from the federal government to mitigate the current financial impacts on our District and the proposed layoffs, we still do not know how much will the state take-away from us. Stated another way: The federal stimulus provides money to mitigate layoffs – meanwhile the state makes “mid-year” reductions that take more money away; along with those reductions comes the potential for creating additional layoffs.

To add complication to the issue we do NOT have a stable, reliable answer from the State of California. Three months ago, we had one answer and have planned our budget accordingly. A week ago, we had another answer. Tuesday we were in Sacramento and gathered more new information. On Thursday, we all received the “May Revise” and got another answer. Friday, we got clarification and received another answer. The election is Tuesday and the governor has indicated that he will propose various solutions based on the outcome. This is all BEFORE the legislature engages the question and comes to a mutual solution between the governor and legislature. Meanwhile, our colleagues are caught in the balance.

I implore you to call, write, and communicate regularly with our local and state legislative representatives regarding this issue. NO one in Riverside has contributed to this situation or desires in any way to take the actions that have been taken.