Governor Schwarzenegger has used his line-item veto power to eliminate $150 million in tax rebates for low-income elderly and disabled renters. This was the governor's single biggest line-item veto in the budget, eliminating all funding for the Senior Citizens Renters Tax Assistance program. The program, in effect for decades, provides up to $347.50 to senior and disabled renters who earn less than $44,096. Last year, 467,000 renter households received payments. This year, none will … unless we take action.

We will not stand for the elimination of funds from those who need them the most. Tenants in Los Angeles and San Francisco have already held rallies condemning the governor's veto and vowing to fight to make sure these funds are restored. On November 19, there will be a statewide day of rallies demanding restoration of these funds. In the meantime, there's lots you can do.

Below is a list of actions you can take to help get the word out and to pressure our elected officials in Sacramento to restore the funding for the Renters Tax Assistance Program.

1. Call the Governor: Call Governor Schwarzenegger today at 916-445-2841 and tell him to restore full funding to the Renters Tax Assistance Program.

2. Call Your Legislators: Call your legislators today and tell them to support legislation to override the Governor's veto and restore full funding to the Renters Tax Assistance Program. Click here to find your legislators.

3. Send Letters to the Editor: Getting letters printed in you local newspapers is a great way to make your voice heard and to spread awareness of this issue. We've set up a very handy online letter-to-the-editor tool that will help you write your letter and send it directly to your local publications. Click here to send a letter. It only takes a minute.

4. Download and Distribute Flyer: We've created a flyer that you can download and hand out to organizations and individuals in your area. Print it out, make copies, and distribute widely! If you can distribute an especially large number of flyers, let us know. Click here for the flyer.

5. Share Your Story: If you have been affected by the Governor's cut to this program, we want to hear how not receiving these funds will affect you. Your story will be a powerful tool as we demonstrate the real life consequences of the Governor's elimination of funding for this program. Click here to tell your story.

6. Become a Tenants Together Volunteer: We need your help to get the word out. Can you volunteer some of your time to work on this issue? If so, please give us a call at 415.495.8100 today to find out what you can do.

7. Participate in the Statewide Day of Action: We're working with allies to organize rallies across the state on November 19, 2008. Mark your calendar and be sure to save the date. If you want to help organize a rally in your community, contact Tenants Together today!

Thanks for taking action today. Be sure to check out our website to stay current on this issue. And please forward this message to at least 10 people.