Local representatives unite to flunk the budget

La Cañada politicos Carol Liu, Anthony Portantino and Jack Scott spoke vehemently against Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget cuts to public education during last Thursday evening’s community forum, “Flunk the Budget.”

Held at McKinley School in Pasadena, former assemblymember and current senate candidate Liu, Assemblymember Portantino and Senator Jack Scott participated in a panel of five speakers who utilized facts and figures to illustrate California’s already lagging resources.

California, which ranks as the eighth largest nation/state in gross national product throughout the world, currently rates 48th in the national average for per pupil spending. If approved, the governor’s budget would result in a $4.8 billion cut for California students, or $750 less again per student. This would place California’s per pupil spending at approximately $2,642 lower than the national average of $8,973.

According to Liu, California’s budget for public education is already well behind that of New York, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. She stated that although California has the highest standards for public education in the country, it ranks second lowest for average daily attendance spending per pupil. Liu stressed the need for young people to be able to meet future global needs and world competition through education.

Similarly, Portantino stated that, “The best and finest investment we can make is in our children. They need the education to be ready to thrive in a global, high-tech economy.” Portantino, as did panelist Senator Jack Scott before him and Liu after, stressed that, “How to educate our children should not be a partisan issue.” The three democrats suggested raising new revenues and closing tax loopholes to help solve budget deficits.

Liu summed up the evening’s sentiment by calling the governor’s vote “unacceptable!” She concluded that, “This fight is for our young people, our public schools, and indeed, our democratic way of life.”

The deadline for the legislature to pass the budget is June 15, allowing the governor two weeks for approval before the fiscal year begins on July 1.

For more information, visit www.protectourstudents.org. or www.lao.ca.gov.