Contact: Jonathan Goldman, 415-509-1654 (cell), or Sandra Jackson, 916-801-4776 (cell)
David A. Sanchez, president of the 325,000-member California Teachers Association, released this statement about the 2011-12 budget passed by the legislature this afternoon:
“While we genuinely appreciate their work, it’s frustrating to watch Democratic leaders have to scramble to put together a one-year budget patch because every Republican refused to extend current taxes in order to keep deeper cuts from California’s students and families.
“Passing this budget will help local school districts and colleges plan for the coming year, but fails to provide any real long-term solutions. Instead of using current revenues to balance the $12 billion in cuts already made this year to schools, colleges and other essential services, the Republicans’ inaction will result in our students returning to school in the fall with larger class sizes, fewer instruction days, fewer teachers, limited course offerings, higher tuition, and minimal support services.
“This is not the California we want for our students. It’s definitely not the California they deserve. And it’s certainly disappointing that some California lawmakers don’t value the importance of public education and fail to understand that investing in public education is an investment in our economy and our future.”
###
The 325,000-member CTA is affiliated with the 3.2 million-member National Education Association.