CALIFORNIA STATE PTA RESPONDS TO STATE BUDGET

PRESS RELEASE February 20, 2009 For Immediate Release

Contact: Carol Kocivar Vice President, Communications (415) 577-1125 communications@capta.org Alison apRoberts Communications Manager (916) 440-1985, ext. 106 aapRoberts@capta.org

 

California State PTA Responds to State Budget

SACRAMENTO - California State PTA President Pam Brady issued the following statement today in response to the budget adopted by state lawmakers and signed today by the Governor.

"This budget does not value the children of California. Instead, it puts on entire generation of children - and the state's very future - at risk.

"Some new revenues are part of this budget, and for that we acknowledge the Governor and legislators for recognizing the need to take a balanced approach to the state's budget crisis. Even so, the severe cuts that are included in the final budget threaten our state's commitment to a world-class education.

"These cuts are almost certainly going to drive California - already a dismal 47th - to the bottom among all states in per-pupil spending. That means cutting teachers, arts, classroom materials, counselors, nurses, small class sizes, and much more that children need to succeed in school and life.

"California cannot afford to go backward in its commitment to children and students, especially in challenging economic times.

"In the coming weeks, we will continue to analyze the details of the budget package, including several statewide initiatives that will be placed on the May 19 ballot as part of the budget deal.

"And California State PTA will continue to advocate for legislators and the Governor to develop a farsighted budget plan and process - a plan with vision, a plan that is a reflection of the hopes and dreams of the next generation, and a plan that is truly focused on the future of our state."

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everychild.onevoice.

The California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "Every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest profile volunteer organization working to improve the education, health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial.

For more information about the California State PTA, visit  www.capta.org.