Contacts: Sandra Jackson, (916) 325-1550
Economic recovery legislation could save up to 16,500 educator jobs in California just as students return to school
CTA President David A. Sanchez issued the following statement about the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Education Jobs Bill today:
“Educators across California and throughout this country are applauding the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing the Education Jobs Bill. This critical piece of legislation that didn’t look like it was going to survive just weeks ago, would help return up to 16,500 educators—including teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses and classified employees—who have been laid off back to our classrooms and schools. It means class sizes could be reduced so students receive more individualized attention.
“The House joined the Senate in passing H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which will bring $1.2 billion to California to help save educator jobs and give our students a better education. These funds are a lifeline for our students and schools who have been cut over $17 billion in the last two years.
“Now that President Obama has signed this bill into law, money can flow to the states right away. We are calling on Governor Schwarzenegger to do as the legislation requires and move this money out to California school districts immediately. Our students deserve to begin school with a teacher in every classroom.”
For additional information on the Education Jobs Fund figures for California, go to http://www.cta.org/~/media/Documents/PDFs/Issues and Action PDFs/Education Jobs Fund by CD using Title I.ashx
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The 325,000-member CTA is affiliated with the 3.2 million-member National Education Association.