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More than 85 citizen lobbyists from Jewish communities around the state recently met with Sacramento lawmakers as part of Advocacy Day, an annual program of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee.

The event kicked off May 12 with state legislators joining JPAC at a downtown reception. JPAC honored Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner with its award for legislator of the year. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom dropped by, as did Senate leader Darrell Steinberg, Sen. Marty Block, Sen. Mark Leno and several members of the state Assembly.

The next day, following panel discussions on the state budget, climate change and social service programs, advocates went to the Capitol to meet with 53 legislators. They lobbied on behalf of bills that aim to increase school safety (by improving the handling of bullying and discrimination in public schools) and fight human trafficking.

JPAC advocates represent Jewish organizations from across California, including multiple federations and JCRCs, Hadassah, the Jewish Labor Committee, the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish family services agencies.