Fair Funding Update and How YOU can HELP!

 

The latest developments in the Legislature were last week, when both Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees decided to keep the question of funding for fairs open. That was a great development! The alternative would have been to accept the proposal to cut all funds and the discussion would have been over. The next step will be full budget committee hearings.

Your action is needed. Times are tough, and all California Fairs should shoulder their share of the burden. But a cut of 100% of State funding will have huge impacts on the facilities and events that you enjoy and participate in during the fair and throughout the year. If you think 100% elimination of State funding is unfair, you need to say so. Please write and mail a letter to your State Assemblyman and State Senator, explaining in your own words what the loss of this community resource will mean to you, your family, and your community groups. (I have attached a sample letter to this email that you may use and please add your own personal thoughts to the letter.)  KBC NOTE: Sample letter is at the bottom of this page

Senators Contact Information

Senator Doug La Malfa – District 4

State Capitol, Room 3070
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4004
Fax: (916) 445-7750

 

Senator Ted Gaines – District 1

State Capitol, Room 3056
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 651-4001
Fax: (916) 324-2680

 

Assembly Members

Assemblymen Jim Nielsen

State Capitol

Room 6031

Sacramento, CA

94249-0002

Phone: (916) 319-2002

Thank you for your help!

David S. Dillabo
Chief Executive Officer
Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair
P.O Box 866 Tulelake CA 96134
Website: http://www.tbvfair.com
Office: 530-667-5312 Fax: 530-667-3944

[Date]

[Senator/Assembly Member Name]

[California State Senate/Assembly]

[Address]

[City, State, Zip]

Dear Senator/Assembly Member [Last Name]:

Governor Brown’s proposal to completely eliminate all funding for the California fair network could cause irreparable damage to your district.

We understand the State’s economic crisis and we fully expected fairs to participate in any solution; however, a 100 percent reduction will in fact cause more harm than the short term cost savings. The CDFA estimates that the fair network generates a 6-1 return on the funding base in direct sales and income taxes alone. Thirty-two thousand jobs, many of them here in your district, along with the funds we generate for local nonprofits and emergency services we support, are in jeopardy under Governor Brown’s plan.

Our local fair, the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fair plays a significant economic role in Siskiyou and Modoc Counties as it generates approximately $31,000 in local tax revenue, creates 35 local jobs, and contributes nearly $2.5 million in economic impact to the local area.

We know that you will face many similar challenges in your leadership role; however, we wanted to share our concerns with you right away. The fair associations, the Western Fairs Association and the California Fairs Alliance will be asking for your help in addressing this issue and we ask for your support.

Thank you,

[Name]