Contact: Becky Zoglman, (916) 296-5271, or Sandra Jackson, (916) 325-1550
“Despite strong opposition from California voters, state lawmakers are expected to vote later today on a state budget package proposal that fails to provide ongoing revenues to prevent deeper cuts to public schools, students, community colleges, health care and other vital services.
“Though few details are available about the plan, this budget proposal cuts $3 billion from public education this year and makes the budget situation even worse next year. It relies on borrowing money from the lottery and future state revenues in order to close the $15 billion budget deficit. And it gives the governor new powers to cut education funding in the middle of the school year.
“We call on lawmakers to listen to California voters, educators and parents, and reject this budget deal. Our students deserve a responsible state budget plan that includes some additional revenues to prevent even deeper cuts to education, healthcare and other vital services. This budget proposal exacerbates a bad situation and sets our state and public schools up for even greater funding shortfalls in future years.”