Las Trampas Creek Council PTA

GET SMART on Education
April 24, 2009

Las Trampas Creek Council of PTAs Legislation Team
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Legislation Team Web Page

CA State PTA Proposition Endorsements

CA State Voter Information

Contacts
Las Trampas Creek Council , VP Legislation
 Mary Newman
 

Legislation Team
Co-Chairs
Diane Oshima
Sarah Butler
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Special May 19th Elections:
Major Education Funding At Risk!
Did you know that the upcoming May 19th State election will have HUGE impacts on K-14 school funding?  This election is critical to our schools to help prevent deeper cuts to education. The California State PTA has taken a SUPPORT position on Propositions 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1E, and is Opposed to Proposition 1D, in order to support schools and children. More detail is below.
 
If Propositions 1A, 1B, and 1C fail, California's budget deficit will immediately increase by $6 billion, on top of the $8+ billion currently estimated.  This will mean more drastic cuts to public schools, on top of those already absorbed in recent years. 
 
For many, the May ballot measures are complicated, a reflection of California's budget and budgeting process.  But, there is too much at stake for our students and schools. California is 46th in the nation out of 50 states in per-pupil public education funding.  Further cuts may erode or eliminate programs and staffing that could take years to restore.
 
While we agree with the California State PTA that these measures do not adequately address the need for long-term budget reform in California, we too recognize that most of the measures represent important and necessary steps to prevent deeper cuts to education and children's programs during the state's current economic crisis.
 
Our Students Understand the Impact
They understand the importance of the high quality education they receive in our schools as essential to their success, to build skills that contribute to California's economic health and well-being.  They understand the impact of recent funding cuts and are fearful of losing more programs and staff if cuts continue.  Hear those voices directly in this video produced by Acalanes High School students, (link address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz7lRPjqzHg)

Take Some Time, Become Informed and VOTE
The California State PTA recommends the following positions on Propositions 1A-F, summarized below.

Absentee ballots have arrived in the mail. Voter registration ends May 4th.  
Please read your ballot carefully and be sure to vote! Help spread the word by talking to friends and neighbors, and forward this e-mail to other California voters.  

PROPOSITION 1A - Stabilizing California's Budget- SUPPORT
Proposal to change various state budgeting practices and mandates a bigger "rainy day" fund.  Would set aside more money during surplus revenue years, to carry the state during lean economic years, to blunt or avoid devastating cuts to schools and health programs. Higher state taxes recently passed would be extended for up to two years.
 
PROPOSITION 1B - Education Payment Program - SUPPORT
The state would make supplemental payments to schools and community colleges beginning in 2011-12, when the economy is expected to improve.  1B would replace $9.3  billion in funding cuts of recent years, over time.
 
PROPOSITION 1C -  Lottery Modernization Act - SUPPORT
Makes major changes to the California Lottery to seek increases in lottery ticket sales, and allow the state to borrow $5 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year from future lottery profits. In addition, the state could borrow more from lottery profits in future years. Under the measure, lottery profits now dedicated to schools and colleges would be used to pay back the borrowing. The measure would increase state payments to education from the state General Fund to make up for the loss of these lottery payments.
 
PROPOSITION 1D - OPPOSE
This measure transfers monies away from First 5 programs created by Proposition 10 (1998) for a period of five years, with the intent that the funds be used to protect health and human service programs for children supported by the state's General Fund. The measure makes other programmatic changes to how First 5 funds may be spent. 
 
PROPOSITION 1E - SUPPORT
This measure transfers monies away from mental health programs funded by Proposition 63 (2004) for a period of two years. The monies would go into the state General Fund to support mental health services. 
 
PROPOSITION 1F - NO POSITION
This measure prohibits legislators and the Governor from receiving pay raises when the state budget is running a deficit.
 
For more information: 

GET SMART On Education provides information about issues and legislation that affect public education in the Lamorinda and Walnut Creek communities  The Las Trampas Creek Legislation Team provides links to expert and government reports, and encourages active citizenship to voice your views about government decisions that affect school funding and programs. The Legislation Team is a committee of the Las Trampas Creek Council PTA serving local school communities within the Acalanes Union High School District attendance area. The Legislation Team meets monthly throughout the year and welcomes all to participate.