California State Budget

On Aug. 2, AB 903, the 1995-96 state budget bill, introduced by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (D-Santa Clara), passed. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is grateful to the governor and the resources agency for our inclusion in the bill, restoring almost all of our general fund.

Park agencies are facing austere times, with no new park funding sources or park bonds on the horizon. We therefore feel truly fortunate in receiving these funds. Because of the governor’s foresight the conservancy will continue its mission of forming an interlinking system of public parks, open space, trails and wildlife habitat areas for all to enjoy with renewed vigor.

EDWARD J. BEGLEY JR., Chairman

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy

Malibu

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* California’s schools can welcome a new beginning, thanks to the recently enacted state budget. Like many other public services, California’s schools have suffered because of the recession and declining state resources. This year, though, California embarks on a new mission of reversing those trends. Through increased per-pupil spending, schools can now begin the important task of restoring essential programs and services and providing students the resources they need to succeed.

Schools in Los Angeles County need and deserve these funds. For far too long, schools have had to make do without sufficient textbooks, teachers and the much-needed computer technology of the 21st Century.

From a national perspective, the 1995-96 state budget may move California up from 42nd to 40th in per-pupil spending. Increasing the much-needed funding will take additional effort in the years to come. Still, this is an important and long-overdue first step in re-establishing California ‘s position as an education leader.

LOIS TINSON, President

California Teachers Assn.

Sacramento

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* So Gov. Pete Wilson has finally agreed that education should be a priority--albeit an insight originally foisted upon him by the Democrats. But at the same time, he got most of his prison increases and welfare cuts. And together, he and the Legislature conspired to allow the top tax-bracket rates to sunset by the end of this year.

As Wilson said, “A budget . . . is a statement of priorities.” And Wilson’s budget maneuvers indeed reflect priorities--his, i.e., the run for the presidency. And, with his line-item vetoes he was also able to extract a little vengeance against his perceived enemies--but really, $20,000 from a swimming pool in Assemblyman Mike Machado’s (D-Linden) district--isn’t it enough that he and his cronies are trying to get the poor guy recalled?

LEE PODOLAK

Orange