FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CTA President Barbara E. Kerr released the following statement regarding the education budget agreement announced today by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the education community:
"We want to thank the Governor for the work he has done with teachers in these difficult budgetary times. The way he involved us in this budget proposal is a first, and we appreciate that.
"This budget agreement protects our schools from any dangerous midyear cuts this school year. In addition, current funding levels for all K-12 schools and community colleges are carried forward to the 2004-05 budget and increased by the cost of living adjustment and enrollment growth funding.
"This budget agreement protects the integrity of Proposition 98 and guarantees that all money must be repaid in the following budget year. It also fully funds the state's Class Size Reduction program and special education.
"We will continue to work with the Governor and the legislature to implement this agreement. It represents a sacrifice by our students, teachers and schools, but I believe it is a good and fair agreement in the context of the state's fiscal crisis."
Education Funding Background