SACRAMENTO — In a difficult budget year, the Governor's budget proposal provides funding to maintain the academic gains our schools have made over the past several years, while taking our state in the direction of fiscal stability. I applaud the Governor for prioritizing public education, and I'm pleased that revenues are up since January. This modest increase in funds will improve the outlook for schools.

Let's not forget, however, that our schools are making a true sacrifice in this budget. I continue to believe that more revenues are needed if schools are to continue on a trajectory of significant improvement. If we are going to provide enough high quality instructional materials, ongoing training for our teachers and administrators, and programs to support higher academic achievement, we need to invest more in education. If the final budget agreement includes targeted tax increases, a significant portion of new revenues must go to public education.

I also continue to be concerned about two issues remaining in the revised budget. First, the Governor's call to collapse a number of categorical programs into school district's revenue limit is a band-aid approach to addressing a serious problem with the way our schools are funded. A more comprehensive approach to school funding is needed.

Second, there is a critical need for well-trained teachers in California, particularly in our most challenging schools. I am pleased that the Governor took my recommendation to lessen the burden of graduate student fees on our future teachers to a level below that facing graduate students in other disciplines. However, I don't believe he went far enough. A greater priority should be placed on ensuring all California students have qualified teachers in their classrooms. I urge the Governor and Legislature to provide the same level of affordability and stability for our future teachers as is proposed for undergraduate students.