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Governor Schwarzenegger: Put Out the Fire
Burning down our educational system won’t fix California’s budget mess
Governor Schwarzenegger’s demand to cut $4.8 billion from education is pouring gasoline on the fire that is threatening our economy. It’s the wrong plan at the wrong time as we face one of the worst state budget crises in recent memory and the very real threat of a recession.
The only way to ensure a bright economic future is to invest in the education of our people:
A report by California State University demonstrated that every dollar invested in our state university system returns $17 back in the state economy.
A study by Economic Policy Institute found that California would save $12 for every $1 we invest in a targeted, high quality, publicly funded preschool program – or $8 for every $1 we invest in a similar universal preschool program.
The Public Policy Institute of California warns that, unless we reverse the current trend that limits access to the education our children need for the jobs of the future, California could face a generation of chronic underemployed — further burdening our social and safety-net programs while depriving the state of tax revenues from high-wage jobs.
But we don’t need a study to tell us what we already know. Consider this excerpt from a letter from public school teacher Leah Feldman:“We already don’t have enough report cards. For our Spanish-speaking families -- the majority of our school -- we have to photocopy a photocopy to send home. We don’t exactly have enough workbooks, either. One third are black and white photocopies of the one we are supposed to have. Most of the pencils in my school have a “Star Wars” logo on them because two teachers were able to get a bunch for a deal. With their own money. This is not unusual.”
We Don’t Have To Accept Failure
In the real world, leaders balance budgets every day without cutting basic priorities. I served two terms on our school board – and we had balanced budgets in tough times and protected kids. I started a business that created local jobs while competing in a tough international market place – and we had balanced budgets and provided all our employees and their families with quality health care.
Sign the Petition
Please join me in telling the Governor to quit fanning the flames and put out the fire. Sign our petition today to stop the cuts to education and start investing in our future.
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