Delegate Assembly discusses budget, other key issues

CSBA’s Delegate Assembly endorsed new revenue principles to guide the association’s response to the current state budget crisis and considered revisions to the CSBA policy platform during an issue-packed meeting in Sacramento May 17-18.

The new revenue position statement augments the association’s stance opposing a “cuts-only budget.” It will help CSBA leaders respond to any revenue measures introduced in the Legislature or placed before voters in a statewide proposition.

With CSBA’s policymakers meeting just days after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had revised his 2008-09 budget proposal, association President Paul H. Chatman, Executive Director Scott P. Plotkin and Assistant Executive Director Rick Pratt briefed the delegates on the grim fiscal forecast for the coming years. Delegates then met in small breakout groups to discuss whether the association should be prepared to take a stand on any revenue enhancement proposals that may emerge as lawmakers struggle to close an estimated $17 billion budget gap, and, if so, which revenue principles were most important.

Principles of adequacy, equity, simplicity

The 240 delegates then reconvened to consider the issue together. While a number of delegates spoke against CSBA taking any position, a strong majority agreed that any proposal to increase state revenues must be based on three critical “revenue principles”: adequacy, equity and simplicity.

“This discussion was invaluable,” CSBA President Chatman told the delegates, “because that’s where we get the leadership from: you.”

Pratt thanked the delegates for the “very good, very thoughtful rationale” they provided for each of the principles considered. Plotkin agreed, noting that the delegates’ work would guide the leadership’s strategy and tactics as budget deliberations proceed in the Capitol. CSBA officers and staff worked into the night to draft a position statement based on the discussion, and delegates overwhelmingly endorsed the statement the next morning.

The proposal uses boldface type to clearly state that “CSBA will not initiate tax legislation.” Instead, the association will use the revenue principles to guide the organization’s response to legislation and ballot measures proposed by others.

‘Media gone wild’

Chatman told delegates that CSBA members and other public school advocates have waged a hugely successful public information campaign about the devastating impacts of Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget—one that’s made headlines across the state.

“The media’s gone wild” covering grassroots information and advocacy campaigns mounted by local education governance teams, Chatman told delegates. “We could not have asked for a better response. It couldn’t have happened without you.”

CSBA Executive Director Plotkin said the campaign’s first goal “was to convince a skeptical public—and Legislature—that these [proposed state budget] cuts are serious and real. The polls show that our message is getting through.”

Delegates also met in small groups to consider, amend and vote on a number of revisions to the association’s policy platform recommended by the Policy Platform Committee. The committee will consider delegates’ responses when finalizing its recommended platform revisions, which will come back to the Delegate Assembly for final action when it meets in San Diego Dec. 3-4.

Senator backs education, other services

State Sen. Darrell Steinberg delivered the keynote address at the delegates’ luncheon meeting. The Sacramento Democrat, who is scheduled to succeed Oakland Democrat Don Perata as Senate president pro tem this fall, urged school board members to demand that lawmakers and the governor have an honest debate that asks “What public services do we need, and how will we pay for them?”

Steinberg said those who endorse curbs on spending should identify which services to cut and who would be affected.

“Public education is our best economic development policy,” Steinberg said, adding that he would consider raising taxes if necessary to forestall draconian cuts to education and health care services to children, families, residents with disabilities and the elderly.

Steinberg also encouraged CSBA’s delegates to ensure that schools are represented when counties allocate billions of dollars for prevention and early intervention through the Mental Health Services Act under Proposition 63, which was initiated by Steinberg and other advocates for mental health services and approved by voters in 2004. “That money ought to go directly to schools,” Steinberg said, “but the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You need to get to the table and make sure that your kids get some of that money.”

Related links:

 CSBA has many resources related to Proposition 63’s Mental Health Services Act, including a policy brief and a helpful mental health Webinar, @ www.csba.org/EducationIssues/EducationIssues/Wellness.aspx.

Visit the MHSA Web page @ www.ochealthinfo.com/mhsa.