Contact: Sandra Jackson: (916) 325-1550
State Budget Agreement Fails Students and Schools
Agreement ignores will of the voters to pass responsible budget
“The state budget package approved by the Legislature is a disaster for students, public schools, colleges, health care and other vital services," said CTA President David A. Sanchez. "It does nothing to solve the state’s structural deficit and sets California up for the same budget problems next year.
“Our students and public schools deserve better than this gimmick-filled budget package that cuts $3 billion from public education this year and never restores those funds. It relies on borrowing money from California taxpayers, the lottery and future state revenues in order to close the $15 billion budget deficit, which sets our schools up for more funding shortfalls next year and undermines Prop. 98, the minimum school funding guarantee.
“This was supposed to be the ‘year of education.’ Instead we have a state budget that guarantees the amount California spends on our students remains at the bottom nationwide, and gives the governor new powers to cut funding for some education programs in the middle of the school year. In addition, the Legislature opened up massive new tax loopholes for corporations that will cost Californians billions and jeopardize future funding for education, health care and public safety.
“Lawmakers had an opportunity to lead, but failed to listen to California voters, educators and parents who called on them to pass a responsible budget that included revenue increases and prevented deeper cuts to our students, schools and other vital services.
“Our students and the people of California deserved a responsible state budget plan. Unfortunately, this is not it. It’s time for new solutions. CTA will be looking into all options available to ensure that our budget process better serves California students and their futures.”
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The 325,000-member CTA is affiliated with the 3.2 million-member National
Education Association.