BURLINGAME – The California Teachers Association is launching a statewide TV ad campaign denouncing Gov. Schwarzenegger’s latest budget proposal to suspend Proposition 98, the state’s minimum school funding law, which would rob billions of dollars more from the state’s public schools and community colleges.
“Educators will not tolerate the governor’s attacks on Proposition 98, our schools and our students. In fact, many of these cuts could have been avoided if the governor had approved the compromise budget plan before July 1,” said CTA President David A. Sanchez. “In the past year alone, education spending has been cut by $12 billion, forcing districts to cancel summer school, dramatically increase class sizes, close libraries, and eliminate art and music programs. Suspending Prop. 98 would make matters even worse for our students and their future.”
The TV ad reminds Californians of the governor’s promise following the 2005 Special Election when he stated he would never again violate the minimum-funding guarantee for schools. Yet, education funding has already been subjected to 60 percent of the cuts in the state budget. More than 27,000 pink slips were sent out this spring, resulting in the layoffs of 17,000 educators, and more are expected this summer.
The ad concludes by asking Californians to call the governor and urge him to protect our schools and put our kids first.
“Enough is enough! Our schools and colleges are being destroyed by these cuts, while big business enjoys tax breaks,” Sanchez said. “Instead of cutting education, health care and programs for the poor and elderly, the governor needs to repeal the corporate tax breaks handed out to big business earlier this year and tax oil production like every other state. Lawmakers must consider additional revenues and pass a fair state budget now.”
The campaign begins tomorrow on TV stations statewide. It launches on the heels of 10,000 postcards delivered to the governor earlier this week. The spots can also be found on CTA’s website at www.cta.org.