Julia Brownley is the Democratic Party nominee for the State Assembly in the 41st District having won a convincing victory in a very competitive Primary Election in June over four qualified and three well-funded opponents. She will enter the General Election with momentum and confidence in a district that has long supported candidates with strong commitments to public education and environmental stewardship. For over twenty years, Julia Brownley has been a community activist for progressive causes and an advocate for children and our schools. Currently Julia is serving her third term on the Santa Monica–Malibu School Board and as Board President for the third time. She leads efforts to overcome the devastating effects that California's three-decades of disinvestments has had on public schools. As our next State Assemblywoman, she will bring to Sacramento a powerful and effective voice for our children and their schools.
Julia worked with the California State PTA and the Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS) to launch the "Caravan for Kids." Over 5000 children and parents brought their powerful message to the steps of the Capitol. They called on the Governor and State Legislature to keep their promise to our children and to create a state plan for excellence in education. Julia Brownley and the SMMUSD, CEPS, local PTA's and other education advocates led the local efforts that secured $16,000,000 in additional funding annually for Santa Monica and Malibu schools. This enabled the District to avoid massive cuts in the schools' budgets that would have eliminated programs and caused extensive layoffs of teachers and other employees.
Julia has promoted educational excellence for all students. Santa Monica schools have risen to the top of state rankings. Most rewarding has been the improved performance of disadvantaged students. Julia's focus on excellence and equity has expanded educational opportunities for these students in greatest need. The achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students has shrunk. In years to come our students and California will continue to profit from Julia's accomplishments.
Just like our current Assemblywoman Fran Pavley, Julia Brownley is an education advocate with a passion for the environment. As president of the Board of Education, Julia championed the School District's policy to purchase only natural gas buses when replacing older diesel buses. She recently won Board approval to ban pesticides and herbicides at school sites and to incorporate "green" building objectives into all future plans for district facilities.
Julia is a great friend of working families. She supported efforts of local hotel workers to earn a living wage, and convinced the School Board to adopt a labor peace policy at the Doubletree Hotel on District-owned property.
Julia is especially concerned for the health and welfare of children who lack health insurance. She convinced the Santa Monica-Malibu Board of Education to create a health clinic at Santa Monica High School with the Venice Family Clinic and Blue Cross.
Julia has a B.A. in political science from George Washington University and a M.B.A. from the American University. Prior to her election to the School Board, she built a successful career in marketing management with several major companies. Last year, she was named YWCA Woman of the Year for her leadership on the School Board and in her community.
In Sacramento, Julia will continue her visionary leadership and passionate advocacy for our children, working families and for the environment. She believes that our future depends on the education of our young people, the health of our families, and the quality of our environment. In the Assembly Julia will vigilantly protect children, families, the environment, healthcare, and our quality of life.