California Teachers Association Opposes Budget Cuts
October 29th, 2008
The Issue: The California Teachers Association released a statement on their website today announcing their opposition to the proposed $2 to $4 billion in cuts to California’s education system as a result of the projected revenue shortfalls for the state. They direct blame for the budget problem to the California lawmakers who haven’t produced a fair budget for education.
The California Teachers Association (CTA) is California’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 340,000 public school teachers, counselors, psychologists, librarians, other non-supervisory certificated personnel, and Education Support Professionals. CTA is affiliated with the 3.2 million-member National Education Association.
In a statement released on their website today, the CTA leadership had the following to say about the projected cuts to education:
“The Education Coalition continues to urge our state’s leaders to provide stable and long-term funding for our schools so that students can meet the high expectations the state has set for them. To that end, further cuts are unacceptable.”
Read the entire CTA statement on their website.
Analysis: The CTA has unreasonable expectations.
I will be the first to talk about the merits of investment in higher education, in fact, I have participated in lobbying and other advocacy efforts in support of education, but the California education system already gets the largest piece of the pie out of any interest group (roughly half of the California Budget is education). If you are the biggest benefactor when times are good, you will probably be siginificantly affected when times are bad. Take a look at those who invested in the stock market.
The spending for education in California has increased 85% since the beginning of Gray Davis’s term as Governor in 1998. That’s 85% in only 10 years.
I support the CTA and the Education system, but let’s be reasonable. Education will have to bear some of the economic burden. Why should they get to flourish while the rest of the economy plummets?
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The California Teachers Association should have their budget reduced. After all, they threw away $1 Million to oppose the upcoming vote on Prop 8. $1 Million Dollars!! Their budgets are SUPPOSED to be used for educational purposes. That’s why they are arguing for more money from taxpayers now. But to take money from taxpayers earmarked for education, make political contributions with the proceeds, then argue for more money for education, is well…is it even legal? Sounds really wrong. They are simply not exhibiting proper stewardship. Cut their budgets!!
hmmm. I’m no expert here, but seems to me my union dues isn’t part of the taxpayer’s money earmarked for education. Seems to me that I’m the one who pays that dues, and it’s fine with me for it be used to fight discrimination against my students.
Seems to me that my union’s use of its budget isn’t a taxpayer option. It’s my option.
hmmmmmm, also seems to me that if our state is 48th in the nation in per pupil spending, maybe our spending on educationisn’t all that cuttable.
Ah! We’re up to 46th in the nation! Does that mean we’re spending too much?
The budget should never have lost that money to political causes. There is rot at the heart of the CTA. Have you heard about the Camilla Letter from the girl in Folsom?
California Teacher’s Association Responds to “Camilla Letter”
Board Member Jim Rogers responds directly to student letter with abrupt condescension, sparking local outrage
In a letter questioning CTA choices in this matter, Folsom High School student Camilla X, wrote to CTA officials protesting their use of teacher funds and received this shockingly worded reply from CTA/NEA coordinator, Jim Rogers….and this is a direct quote:
“Thanks, Sweetie, but it’s over for now. And it’s really none of your business.”
http://beetlebabee.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/cta-student-smack-down/