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
