Budget Cuts in State Programs
The passage of Proposition 98 gave teachers hope that the political squabbling over public education dollars would be a thing of the past. However, with the recent budget battles, it has become obvious that such is not the case.
In all, the governor withheld $462 million in Proposition 98 entitlements. Money meant to go to local school districts has been quarantined by a governor who didn’t get his way during the budget process.
Nevertheless, what remains of Proposition 98 can work, if given the chance. Public education will still receive 40.9% of California’s general fund. The dilemma then is not how much money is due to public education, but rather how to force the governor to honor the intent of the voters.
What can concerned parents and educators do? They can contact their state legislators and inform them that they support the full and legal funding of public education. They can ask their legislators to allow locally elected representatives to decide how best to spend the school district’s rightful share of education funds.
Gov. Deukmejian is leaving public office this year. I am hopeful that the next governor will be sensitive to the children in this state and will be an advocate for public education. RIC STEPHENSON, President
Capistrano United Education Assn.
Laguna Hills
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