SACRAMENTO - California State PTA President Jo A.S. Loss released this statement about the budget proposal introduced earlier this week by Gov. Jerry Brown.

"This is a difficult, sobering budget proposal that reflects the magnitude of our state's budget problem. We appreciate the Governor offering a more straightforward, balanced approach to solve the state's $25.4 billion deficit - one that does not rely solely on cuts. California State PTA has consistently called for such a balanced approach, which would include revenues to prevent even  deeper cuts to the programs and services most important to California's future - our children.

"We also appreciate the Governor's efforts to limit further cuts to K-12 education, especially since our students have already endured more than $18 billion in cuts during the past three years. However, this proposal includes a $2 billion deferral of K-12 funding that, in conjunction with the looming expiration of one-time federal funds, will further reduce the amount of funding for education. Additionally, even deeper cuts would occur unless voters approve a future ballot measure to extend current temporary taxes.

"We must be clear that this budget proposal does not make K-12 education 'whole' from previous cuts. Instead, it would help curb the unprecedented lack of investment in our public education system that has occurred.

"At the same time, the Governor's budget also proposes severe cuts to services that are vital to so many parents and families, including higher education, child care, Healthy Families, public libraries, CalWORKs and foster care. We fully recognize there are no 'easy' choices. We understand the need for everyone to make sacrifices in this budget - but we urge the Governor and Legislature to put the long-term needs of children and students first when ultimately weighing the difficult decisions about where to cut. Many of these services have long-term fiscal and social benefits that far outweigh the near-term expenditures.

"A strong public education system - kindergarten through college - and stable support programs and services for children and families are essential to California's future prosperity and a thriving economy. We look forward to analyzing the Governor's proposal in greater detail, and engaging in the dialogue to help craft a final budget that puts children first.

"PTA leaders from throughout the state overwhelmingly identified the need for adequate school funding as the top priority. We will continue to raise our voice on behalf of the state's more than 9 million children."
 
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The California State PTA can help keep you up to date on pressing issues affecting the children and families of California. Be sure to sign up to receive our e-mail Legislative Alerts. Also, consider attending The 2011 California State PTA Legislation Conference, Monday, Feb. 7, and Tuesday, Feb. 8, in Sacramento. You will hear directly from experts about what the state is facing, and you will have a hands-on opportunity to hone your skills as an advocate for the children in your community. For more information and to register for the conference, please click here. 

everychild. onevoice.

The California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer association working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial.

 

For more information about the California State PTA, visit www.capta.org. 

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