CALIFORNIA STATE PTA RESPONDS TO THE GOVERNOR'S 2016-2017 BUDGET PROPOSAL: Insights on Behalf of the State’s Largest Child-Advocacy Association

from CA PTA | http://bit.ly/1OTP1V3 Update on the State Budget January 8, 2016 California State PTA Responds to Governor’s 2016 – 2017 Budget Proposal Yesterday, Gov. Jerry Brown released his 2016 – 2017 budget proposal that includes increases for per-pupil funding and corrects many historical fiscal inequities that hurt public education during years of deficit spending.  "Increasing funding by $368 per pupil and meeting 95 percent of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) commitment demonstrates a sound investment in the children of our state," said California State PTA President Justine Fischer. "The governor’s proposal is an excellent start for discussions with the Legislature, particularly regarding early childhood learning, school facilities and a long-term vision for state and local accountability." Included in the governor’s proposal is $1.25 billion in one-time funds. California State PTA believes these funds can be effectively used to ensure that LCFF and the tenet of "subsidiarity" will be successful by investing in family, parent and student engagement. California State PTA has been speaking with the Governor’s Office during the past months about the importance of specific one-time funding for family engagement – the number-one predictor of student success. The governor’s proposed budget does not currently include dedicated funding to support meaningful parent and family engagement in schools. California State PTA looks forward to continuing our conversation with the governor, the Legislature and other stakeholders on the importance of parent and family engagement in the months ahead. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Governor's 2016-2017 Budget Proposal Summary California State PTA Media Statement California State PTA Advocacy Goals This message is being sent to all PTA members and leaders as well as key policy leaders.                             Press release/Media statement |  : http://bit.ly/1Rs370q California State PTA Responds to Governor’s 2016-2017 Budget Proposal January 8, 2016 Media Contacts: Vice President for Communications, communications@capta.org Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, meklund@capta.org Insights on Behalf of the State’s Largest Child-Advocacy Association Click to view Budget Summary SACRAMENTO – Gov. Jerry Brown released his 2016 – 2017 budget proposal Jan. 7, 2016. California State PTA President Justine Fischer offered insights on behalf of the state’s largest child-advocacy organization: “The governor’s proposed budget increases per-pupil funding and corrects many historical fiscal inequities that hurt public education during years of deficit spending. Increasing funding by $368 per pupil and meeting 95 percent of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) commitment demonstrates a sound investment in the children of our state. The governor’s proposal is an excellent start for discussions with the Legislature, particularly regarding early childhood learning, school facilities and a long-term vision for state and local accountability. “Included in the governor’s proposal is $1.25 billion in one-time funds. We believe these funds can be effectively used to ensure that LCFF and the tenet of ‘subsidiarity’ will be successful by investing in family, parent and student engagement. “California State PTA has been speaking with the Governor’s Office during the past months about the importance of specific one-time funding for family engagement – the number-one predictor of student success. The governor’s proposed budget does not currently include dedicated funding to support meaningful parent and family engagement in schools. “A vital premise of the new Local Control Funding Formula is that decisions about student success are best made by those closest to the classroom. But simply adding a requirement for more parent and family engagement is not enough. There are no shortcuts to raising student achievement or to successful parent engagement. It takes an investment of time and resources, especially to reach parents from all school sites, backgrounds and in all languages. “This window of opportunity is short, and this is the year to support and strengthen what is now in state law – engaging parents and families. We want LCFF to succeed. “We look forward to continuing our conversation with the governor, the Legislature and other stakeholders on the importance of parent and family engagement in the months ahead.”