Prop. 98’s suspension would deepen ‘learning deficit,’ education leaders warn
Published: July 7, 2009
CSBA joined other education leaders today in denouncing Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to suspend Proposition 98 and cut another $3 billion in education spending in the current budget year, which would increase the amount schools have lost over the past year to nearly $12 billion.
“These cuts will cause severe and long-lasting harm to our students and schools,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, appealing to the public via a media briefing Tuesday to oppose continued cuts to the state’s education system. “Education needs to be part of the solution to our economic recession.”
Rick Pratt, CSBA assistant executive director for Governmental Relations, joined O’Connell and John Mockler, a former executive director of the state Board of Education and a recognized Proposition 98 expert, in opposing a suspension, as Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg had done last week.
Cuts to school funding today will continue to impact students in the classroom for years to come, Pratt stressed, saying, “We’re creating a learning deficit that will be with us for a long time if this suspension actually goes through.”
Although Proposition 98 pegs K-14 school funding at around 40 percent, on average, of general fund tax revenues, Pratt said education has thus far absorbed 60 percent of the cuts, concluding, “It’s safe to say we’ve already given more than our share.”
A CSBA survey of school districts throughout the state last year showed that previous cuts have already forced schools to increase class sizes, eliminate after-school programs and summer school, cut Advanced Placement classes and electives, close libraries and lay off librarians, counselors, nurses and other support staff, and shut down arts and music programs, among other actions.
In approving Proposition 98 20 years ago, voters amended the state constitution to provide public education with “predictability and stability” in funding, said O’Connell, stressing that continued cuts to close the budget gap will not cure the recession.
“The governor’s call to suspend is both shortsighted and irresponsible,” O’Connell said. “It threatens to undo all the positive developments we’ve seen since voters imposed Prop. 98.”
Related links:
To let Gov. Schwarzenegger know you oppose suspending Proposition 98, click here.
To contact members of the state Legislature, click here.