BILL NUMBER: AB 2147 VETOED DATE: 09/29/2010 To the Members of the California State Assembly: I am returning Assembly Bill 2147 without my signature. This bill would expand the list of factors to be used when rating Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program proposals to include the consideration of the benefits to a low-income school, and the degree to which the proposal reflects the participation, input and priorities of various community stakeholders. Additionally, this bill would clarify that school districts are included among the government entities eligible to apply for SRTS funds. While this bill is intended to enhance the position of low-income communities to compete for SRTS funds, based on the recent success of those communities receiving SRTS program funding, this bill may be unnecessary. A recent review of the SRTS Program determined that low-income schools, which compromise approximately one-third of California schools, have received 35 percent and 44 percent of all SRTS grants awarded over the past five years through the state and federal programs, respectively. Additionally, to the extent funding is provided to weaker proposals receiving additional credits by benefitting low-income schools, this bill could have a negative impact on project delivery and may not result in the intended long-term increases in walking and biking that the program funds are intended to encourage. For these reasons I cannot sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger