Governor's promise to spare K-12 from budget ax hinges on tax extension

01-11-2011

By Theresa Harrington and Katy Murphy/Contra Costa Times

The governor's promise to spare K-12 education from cuts in his budget places a heavy burden on schools because it is contingent on a tax extension that isn't guaranteed. "Schools have borne the brunt of spending reductions in recent years," Gov. Jerry Brown said in releasing his budget Monday. "So, this budget maintains funding at the same level as the current year." While some education officials felt a sense of relief from further cuts, others said they would have to prepare for cuts anyway, because they are required to issue pink slips to teachers by March 15, in case voters reject the tax extensions. The governor's plan would place the tax extension before voters in June. "The governor made good on his word to make tough decisions," said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson in a statement. "Unfortunately, this budget extends the financial emergency facing California's schools." Torlakson declared schools in a state of financial emergency last week because of nearly $18 billion in cuts they have endured during the past several years. If voters reject the tax extension, many school districts will have to make cuts they can't afford. (more…)

Also: Educated Guess, Sacramento Bee, Los Angeles Times

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Governor's promise to spare K-12 from budget ax hinges on tax extension

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