Rep. Baca Sends Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger Opposing Education Cuts

Statement

Rep. Baca Sends Letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger Opposing Education Cuts

Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) today released a letter sent to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, stating his opposition to the proposed $4.8 billion cut in state education funding.

"California's most precious resource is its children. We cannot afford to short-change our students when it comes to their education," said Rep. Baca. "Our schools are already underfunded, and our class rooms are already too crowded. Cuts of this level will have a devastating effect on the children, parents and teachers of California."

With more than 6 million students enrolled in public schools throughout the state, and the lasting negative effects of the budget cuts made five years ago, California schools already face insufficient funding levels. The education periodical, Education Week, reports that California currently spends almost $1,900 les per student that the national average. This alarming statistic has left California dead last in the nation in the number of counselors, school nurses and librarians per student. Cutting this already limited budget by an additional $4.8 billion would only further limit the opportunities presented to our students, teachers, and administrators.

"It is troubling to know that in this year, dubbed by the Governor's administration as ‘The Year of Education,' 14,000 teachers have already received notice they might lose their job," concluded Rep. Baca. "I wrote to Governor Schwarzenegger because he needs to understand the strong opposition that exists to this misguided policy. If he proceeds with these cuts, I fear the consequences for the future of our children and our state will be very negative."

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