2327 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95816­5014 • 916.440.1985 • FAX 916.440.1986 • Email info@capta.org • www.capta.org

September 10, 2015

FLOOR ALERT
RE: SB 799 (Hill)
School District Reserves
Oppose Further Amendments
Dear Members of the Senate and Assembly:
This is to inform you that California State PTA continues to support the current version of
SB 799 (Hill) as amended on August 20 as an acceptable compromise to regulate
school district reserves. SB 799 is currently in the Assembly Rules Committee and may
not reach the Assembly and Senate floors prior to the adjournment of session.
We understand that amendments to SB 799 are under discussion that would lessen the
benefit to local communities and school districts to determine use of their education
funds. We also understand that these amendments could appear in another legislative
vehicle.
California State PTA would like to inform members of the Senate and Assembly that our
organization representing more than 850,000 parents and families does not support
further amendments or an alternative to SB 799.
California State PTA recommends either a vote on SB 799 in its current form (as
amended August 20), or that the Senate and Assembly refrain from action until the 2016
Legislation Session and continue to work with all stakeholders and the Governor to find
an acceptable compromise.
California State PTA continues to support the reform/repeal of the reserve cap on school
district reserves. One of the guiding legislative principles of our organization is a belief in
maximum local control when it serves the best interest of children and youth. A state
mandated reserve cap is incongruent with our principles. In addition, our members have
expressed concern about the impact the cap on reserves will have on the financial health
of their local school districts during economic downturns.
For these reasons we urge each of you to continue to work on this important issue with
all stakeholders in the coming legislative session.
If you should have any questions please contact Shayne Silva, Director of Legislation at
(916) 440-1985, ext 311, legislation@capta.org or, Sherry Skelly Griffith, Executive
Director at (916) 955-1699 or sgriffith@capta.org