I know most of my readers don't live in the state, but here's some info from the California PTA website that I wanted to pass on anyway.
Governor’s State of the State and Budget Proposal
January 15, 2009
Total new education cuts proposed by the Governor
for the next 18 months:
$10.8 billion
California is now 47th in the nation in terms of how much we invest in the education of each student.
Budget decisions will determine whether we abandon quality schools and health and social services for our children.
Budget decision will determine if tomorrow’s workers have the skills they need.
That’s how much is at stake.
Please call or email your state Assembly member, state Senator and the Governor right away and deliver the following messages:
We must find a balanced approach to the budget crisis that includes sufficient new revenues to protect children and the future of California.
Support continued funding for programs and services that help ensure that all children can succeed, such as smaller class sizes, arts and physical education, science, counselors, nurses, librarians, and health and social services for children.
We cannot build a world-class public education system by going backward in funding for education and other children's services.
Find Your Legislators
Contact the Governor
7 comments:
thanks April...and I emailed my reps about the budget and education too.
The educational crisis is scaring the shit out of me. I wish I (or SOMEone) knew the answer.
I think AZ is even worse...I think we were already at 48. It's ridiculous. I've been calling around to the elementary districts around here and most of them have told me "we are full day this year, but we haven't received the funding for next year yet". They have no idea when the money is coming or how much it will be.
This is CRAZY. And assuming that there's a connection between pupil spending and pupil achievement, such educational powerhouses as Mississippi and Alabama are getting ahead of California?!
My son is a product of public schools in Tennessee, and our family made frequent jokes about public education in the South. The idea that he could actually be better-educated than California kids unsettles my worldview just a bit.
I think I see your next Moms Blog post brewing, April...
It is a constant source of amazement how much pork is in both state and federal budgets, but something as crucial as the education of our future generations is not considered top priority.
I would have to say that Nevada is generally last in all of the education categories. That can't happen here- Say it ain't so! I didn't realize these budgets were so difficult.
"We must find a balanced approach to the budget crisis..."
And there it is, taken right from the tagline of your blog.
It's all about balance.
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