Statewide Day of Action This Friday, September 5

A message from CTA President, David Sanchez:

Welcome back to school. I know every time we’ve seen each other over the summer at various conferences, I’ve been talking about the state budget crisis. I wish I could deliver a different message with this e-mail, but there has been no resolution on the state budget. It is unacceptable that legislators haven’t been able to compromise on a responsible solution to California’s enormous deficit—especially when a balanced and fair plan exists with the original Conference Committee Report.
If lawmakers don’t pass a budget by mid-September, schools will suffer another $2.5 billion in lost cash flow. We can’t sit back while this happens. CTA is calling for a statewide day of action this Friday, September 5, to urge lawmakers to find the additional revenues needed to save our students and schools from further cuts. We already rank 46th in per-pupil spending. Many of you have already been working with your local CTA representatives to plan events and demonstrations. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and our profession.
We have online resources for you to use this Friday available at www.cta.org/issues/current/Budget_Crisis_2008-09.htm . They include:
• Where We Stand: Day of Action Talking Points • A “Cuts Hurt” Hotline Day of Action Flier • A Sample Day of Action Event Flier
Please know we are making a difference in this state budget. Together, we’ve fought off some very damaging “solutions” and borrowing schemes in this budget crisis already. And together, we will do everything possible to secure a budget that protects our students, schools, and community colleges from deeper cuts.
David A. SanchezCTA President