One of the most upsetting things I’ve read lately (and these days I’m reading plenty) was an article<\/a> about a proposal to eliminate the California Conservation Corps<\/font><\/a> in the effort to balance our state budget. <\/span>The Corps was founded by then-Governor Jerry Brown in 1976 on the model of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which put millions of unemployed Americans back to work improving the nation’s parks and green spaces. <\/span>According to the article, the California Corps today employs 1,300 young people, most of them disadvantaged in one way or another, in similar work around the state.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Long Beach has its own Conservation Corps<\/font><\/a>, and I was relieved to learn from its Executive Director that it’s an independent non-profit that would not be axed by the proposal to eliminate the state program. <\/span>However, Long Beach’s Corps does receive a small amount of state funding each year. <\/span>The local Corps has done a lot for our city (and several neighboring cities) at a low cost: <\/span>planted tens of thousands of trees, cleaned up graffiti and litter, maintained and even helped develop city parks. <\/span>An inspiring list of Long Beach Corps projects can be found here<\/font><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I just can’t imagine that eliminating the state’s version of this hopeful, constructive program would truly result in a net budget savings. <\/span>Here’s my letter to the Governor explaining the rest. <\/span>If you are motivated to write, please feel free to borrow any or all of my words.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n On Sunday, February 8th<\/sup>, the New York Times<\/span> reported that state funding for the California Conservation Corps could be eliminated under a budget you have proposed. <\/span>As a resident of Long Beach, I am writing to ask that you reconsider your proposal to eliminate this program.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n For several reasons, I think it’s a terrible idea to cut the statewide Conservation Corps. <\/span>The Corps provides jobs, not only for its own staff but for well over a thousand young people throughout the state. <\/span>This seems a cruel and inopportune time to eliminate so many jobs – especially “green jobs” like those being advocated by President Obama and Van Jones of Green for All.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, these jobs almost certainly create a net benefit for the residents of California. <\/span>A 1997 study of local youth corps found that each position creates $600 in net benefits<\/u> to society – and this study was limited to very short-term effects. <\/span>I suspect that any immediate savings from cutting this program would be wiped out by far greater expenditures in other public programs as many at-risk young people lose Corps jobs. <\/span>The work experience they gain through the Corps often puts them on a constructive life path.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I also believe that Corps participants benefit from the closer connection with nature that is fostered by conservation work, and that our state’s natural resources will enjoy better stewardship as a result.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n I hope you will re-evaluate the net benefits of the California Conservation Corps and drop your proposal to eliminate the program. <\/span>Thank you very much for considering my views.<\/span><\/p>\n
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