This week, after closed-door negotiations with union leaders, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger convinced the California Teachers Association to support a $2 billion cut in education spending to help resolve the state's massive budget deficit. The move is part of Schwarzenegger's plan to curb the "spending crisis" that he says caused this huge hole in the budget. Predictably, however, union acceptance came at a steep cost. First, the governor had to agree not to touch Proposition 98 - a constitutional amendment guaranteeing that K-12 schools and community colleges annually receive an increasing stream of money from the state's general fund. (Schwarzenegger had initially threatened to suspend Proposition 98 to rein in "out of control spending.") Second, officials have said the education cuts will be restored next year, whether the economy improves or not. This deal resembles a band-aid affixed to a tumor.
"Teachers support Gov.'s plan to cut schools by $2 billion," by Evan Halper, Los Angeles Times, January 6, 2004
"Schwarzenegger plans fee hikes, education cuts," by Vincent J. Schodolski, Chicago Tribune, January 7, 2004