FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2011
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson
Comments on Governor's Budget Proposal
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today issued the following statement regarding the 2011-12 state budget [http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/]
:
"The financial emergency facing California's schools began long before the debate over this year's budget.
"While I strongly supported the Governor's proposal to extend the temporary revenues, I accept his judgment that no bipartisan agreement could be reached.
"I am grateful that the Governor and the Democratic Leadership have crafted a budget that—for the time being—avoids a new round of deep cuts to education.
"This budget means another year with California's schools on financial life support. The risk of $1.75 billion in mid-year reductions, as well as $2.1 billion in added deferrals, will force some districts to make cuts that will harm our students and their schools.
"I welcome the Governor's call for an initiative to help put our state's finances back on solid ground. We must seize the opportunity to bring Californians together around a shared vision and a common goal of making our schools great again."
