"It is my intention to get as much money out to our financially strapped schools as we can. Therefore, I will be certifying all appropriate payments in order to get this critical process started. I also will continue to work with and urge the State Controller to release these funds as expeditiously as legally possible.

"The real travesty in this situation is that we have a responsible budget that appropriately funds education while fairly distributing necessary cuts throughout the state's programs. This budget also includes a nominal tax increase to ensure that we don't retreat from the success we are beginning to realize in our schools.

"Holding this vital money from our schools is not a position anyone enjoys. I once again urge the Legislature to pass the Governor's budget before July 1 when our students will truly begin to suffer as a result of inaction."