Schools chief, teachers press taxes with lawmakers

05-12-2011

By Don Thompson/San Jose Mercury News

State schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson joined dozens of teachers, nurses and firefighters at a state Capitol rally Wednesday, the latest in a weeklong series of actions designed to pressure California lawmakers into raising taxes to avoid deep spending cuts to education. Schools have experienced a cumulative $18 billion in budget cuts the past three years, lowering California's per-pupil spending below most other states, according to Torlakson's office. He said more budget cuts would lead to larger class sizes, more dropouts, possibly a shorter school year and a less-educated work force, which would hurt California's economy. The statewide week of demonstrations was organized by the California Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers union. On Monday, several dozen protesters were arrested after they refused to leave the Capitol. On Wednesday, the union arranged 400 empty chairs in front of the state Capitol, each representing 100 teachers and other school employees who have lost their jobs over the past three years. (more...)

Also: KPCC

Document Actions

Print this

Personal tools

Sections

Schools chief, teachers press taxes with lawmakers

Document Actions