Working Partnerships is a public policy institute that builds partnerships with community, labor and faith groups to improve the lives of working families in Silicon Valley. 

 

San Jose can adopt 'no-cuts' FY 2012-13 budget

The City of San Jose is now just $3 million short of a no-cuts budget for the coming fiscal year, a number almost certain to shrink to zero based on the city's improving finances.

In the Mid-Year Budget Review for FY 2011-12 released last month (you can download the full report from the city's website here), City Manager Debra Figone acknowledges that the city's financial situation has so significantly improved that the Future Deficit Reserve should be increased from $12 million to $22 million. The specific purpose of the Future Deficit Reserve is to address the budget shortfall for FY 2012-13.

Since the entire projected shortfall for FY 2012-13 is estimated to be $25 million, only $3 million remains to be found for the city to be able to avoid any budget cuts next year. Other information in the Mid-Year Budget Review, including higher sales tax receipts and increased revenues from construction taxes and from tax increment in Redevelopment Project Areas, suggests it is extraordinarily likely the remaining $3 million will become available.

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Students want to raise San Jose's minimum wage

Professor Scott Myers-Lipton, left, and some of his students

A class of San Jose State University sociology students are launching a petition campaign this week to create a $10 minimum wage in San Jose, making it the fourth city in the United States to set an hourly pay minimum.

If the students succeed in collecting 19,161 signatures, their minimum wage proposal -- $2 higher than the California standard -- would be placed on the November ballot.

Scott Myers-Lipton, professor of the Social Action class that developed the campaign after finding strong support through public polling, said 80 percent of his sociology students work at least 30 hours a week but those earning minimum wage struggled to survive.

Follow our website for news of where petition signing events will be held.

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Teen Interfaith Leadership Council
formed, recruiting members

The Interfaith Council on Economics and Justice has approved the creation of a Teen Interfaith Leadership Council of Santa Clara County and has begun recruiting members.

The council will consist of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from various religious traditions who will engage in meaningful service, interfaith dialogue and advocacy activities that address issues of poverty, social injustice and promote the common good in Santa Clara County. The emphasis will be on mutual respect and understanding and interfaith dialogue, not conversion.

"Teenagers have the ability and power to be agents of social change," said Interfaith Council board member Steve Herrera. "The Teen Interfaith Leadership Council will be a catalyst powered by young people from diverse religious traditions to create a more compassionate, just and peaceful community in Santa Clara County."

Interested sophomores and juniors from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Catholic/Christian or other religious backgrounds can download an information sheet and application form here. The council will meet monthly and membership terms will run from July through April-May.

The council's 10-member Core Team will participate in an annual retreat and immersive experience July 26-30 in New Mexico in partnership with the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Temple, Shinnyo-en Foundation, Working Partnerships USA and the Interfaith Council.

The retreat is intended to create community and foster interfaith understanding while performing meaningful service. It will focus on the Native American culture in New Mexico with special emphasis on service, interfaith dialogue and discovering shared religious values regarding faith and justice.

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