Vote "Yes" on Measure LL on or before November 4 and Keep Albany Strong

On May 27, 2014, the Board of Education of the Albany Unified School District voted to place a parcel tax measure on the November 2014 general election ballot. Measure LL requires approval by two-thirds of eligible voters participating in the election - so vote yes on or before November 4!

Why Do We Need This Parcel Tax?

Parcel taxes play a very important role in the Albany Unified School District’s budget, providing a stable source of local funding that helps protect Albany students and programs from volatility and cuts resulting from the boom and bust budget cycle of Sacramento. Albany has a long tradition of supporting its public schools, one of the best-known features of the community.

In November 2009, Albany voters approved a permanent parcel tax (Measure J) and a temporary parcel tax (Measure I) that is set to expire on July 1, 2015. Measure I currently provides $1.3 million per year for critical programs at Cornell, Marin, and Ocean View Elementary Schools; Albany Middle School; MacGregor High School; and Albany High School.

In 2013, California was ranked 49th in per‐pupil funding (when adjusted for cost of living, 35th otherwise). State funding levels have not kept up with inflation; our current levels remain the same that they were in 2008, leaving us with about $4 million less per year.

As independent citizens, we believe we must always be vigilant about monitoring the school board’s budget, but the bottom line is we will lose teachers and crucial programs if the $1.3 million per year from Measure I is not extended.

Measure LL ensures continuation of vital Measure I funding that Albany schools cannot afford to lose.

How Will Funds Be Used?

Like Measure I, Measure LL is focused on a number of key priorities, including, but not limited to:

· Reading and math support

· Science and technology

· Arts and music

· Library services

· Attracting and retaining exceptional teachers and counselors

· Maintaining manageable class sizes

· Keeping schools safe and well maintained

As new priorities emerge, AUSD will have the flexibility to invest funds where they are most needed, based on input from teachers, parents, and the community.

Will There Be Exemptions for Seniors & Low-Income People with Disabilities?

Measure LL continues the current senior exemption for parcels owned and occupied by seniors to ensure that nobody who is exempt today will get a bill tomorrow.

To protect low-income residents with a disability, Measure LL adds a new exemption for parcels owned and occupied by persons receiving Supplemental Security Income for a disability, regardless of age, or by persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, regardless of age, and whose yearly income does not exceed 250% of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines ($57,625 per year for a family of four).

How Much Is the Proposed Parcel Tax?

Measure LL proposes a flat parcel tax of $278/year for six years, equivalent to $23.17/month, with an annual adjustment for inflation (~2%/year). This represents an increase of $119/year above the current $159 rate. The rate increase is necessary to preserve the $1.3 million/year revenue stream and to make up for lost revenue due to a court ruling that now prohibits taxing commercial property differently than residential property because of litigation that changed how residential and commercial properties are taxed.

See www.albanyschoolexcellence.org for more information, to see the many individuals, organizations and businesses supporting Measure LL and more. Or contact me with any questions.

Thank you for voting “Yes” on Measure LL for a Strong Albany!