Manhattan Beach Unified School District reported that they had to issue layoff notices for the next academic year. Torrance schools still suffer with at least forty kids per class. What happened to all of that Prop 30 tax money? The tax increase was supposed to save our schools from the pink-slip" tsunamis. The taxpayers in the state of California, which includes everyone, not just the so-called "rich", should let this bait-and-switch be the last time that they permit Sacramento to pressure anyone for more tax dollars.
Instead of bringing down class sizes, shoring up staff, and expanding resources and technology, the tax increases have chased away more businesses, while funding over-generous pensions and benefits, and compensating staff for lost furlough days.
Instead of taxes, our legislators must support school choice, and now they have the chance to do so. State senate minority leaders Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) just introduced SB 451, which will extend the "open enrollment" provision to every student and every school in the state of California. A companion, SB 452, will empower parents to demand more reforms from their local schools.
These laws will not be popular with union-friendly Democrats, but if the Democratic Party expects to remain a relevant force in the Golden State, then they should take this golden opportunity to support state-wide school choice.
Contact your state legislators: demand that they support SB 451 and SB 452
State Senator Ted Lieu: (310) 318-6994 or (916) 651-4028
Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi: (310) 316-2164 or (916) 319-2066