California State Budget
Our responsibility to children cannot be cut in bad economic times
Action Needed
Please call or email your state assembly member, state senator and the governor right away and deliver the following messages:
- We must find a balanced approach to the budget crisis that includes sufficient new revenues to protect children and the future of California.
- Support continued funding for programs and services that help ensure that all children can succeed, such as smaller class sizes, arts and physical education, science, counselors, nurses, librarians, and health and social services for children.
- We cannot build a world class public education system by going backwards in funding for education and other children’s services.
Find your legislator’s contact info here and contact the governor here.
Background
With a worsening economy, state legislators and the Governor are faced with difficult decisions to adopt a balanced state budget. The Governor’s 2009-2010 budget proposal includes deep cuts to education, health and human services as well as tax increases and borrowing.
In releasing the proposed budget last week, the Governor stated:
“California, like the rest of the nation is in the midst of a severe economic downturn. The combined effect of the state’s continuing structural budget deficit and the loss of revenues resulting from the economic downturn results in a budget gap of $41.6 billion, just under half of the revenues projected for 2009-10. This is the most challenging budget in the state’s history. It demands quick action and calls for every type of solution possible, including major spending cuts, revenue increases, borrowing and cash management strategies.”
California State PTA issued a press release yesterday in response to the latest budget proposal. In the release, Pam Brady, President, states:
“Don’t think for a minute that we don’t understand the magnitude of the current financial crisis. Families throughout California are living each day with the realities of the economic downturn. But families also understand that we have a responsibility to children and their future which cannot be compromised in bad economic times.
“We believe the smartest economic stimulus plan for California right now is to invest in the future by investing in the education, health and welfare of our state’s children.”
The Governor’s latest budget proposal would cut an additional $6 billion to public schools over the next 18 months. When combined with cuts already made to our schools in the current year and proposed accounting maneuvers to delay other payments owed to schools, the total cuts are nearly $11 billion — not including other cuts to vital children’s services.
A recent national study revealed that California recently slipped from 46th to 47th in the nation in terms of per-student funding — funding which goes to hire and train teachers, provide instructional programs and materials, ensure smaller class sizes, and provide all other aspects of a quality education to every student.
Next Steps
The Board of Managers of the California State PTA has voted to launch an aggressive campaign to protect children. In the coming weeks we will be providing additional information, resources and advice to help you communicate a strong message for a greater investment in children and against deeper budget cuts.
Budget Details on the Web
Press release issued by PTA in response to the state budget
California Budget Project Analysis
Schwarzenegger seeks education cuts
Governor Holds Press Conference to Discuss State Budget
Legislative Analyst’s Office 2009-10 Budget Analysis Series: Overview of the Governor’s Budget
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