On May 13, over 85 advocates from across the State represented JPAC in meetings with 53 legislators.  We lobbied our representatives to support SB 840 (Lara) on anti-bullying efforts in schools, SB 1165 (Mitchell, Block) on anti human trafficking programs and SB 1388 (Lieu) on increasing penalties for human trafficking, and requesting support for increasing funding for food banks and the SSI/SSP grants for the Stat’es most vulnerable.  Our efforts paid off.  As a result of JPAC,  the SSI/SSP COLA was restored and is next going to be heard in conference committee; Governor Brown restored funding for the State Emergency Food Assistance Program (SEFAP) to $5 million; SB 1388 (human trafficking) was determined to have no fiscal impact and is sitting on the senate floor and is expected to pass and SB 1165 (human trafficking) passed out of the senate appropriations suspense file today and is expected to pass.  Our only regret is that SB 840 did not pass out of appropriations suspense because it was deemed too expensive.

These issues are so important to the Jewish community and the community at large and we hope that our conversations and relationships hep make these bills move ahead to protect the most vulnerable in our State.