I’m writing to express my outrage about the state budget proposal that Governor Schwarzenegger has put before our Legislature.  I am particularly concerned about the huge amount of money that our public schools will be losing, if it is approved.

The Hemet Unified School District alone will have to cut $7 to $11 million from its 2008/2009 budget, along with making mid-year cuts immediately.  This may mean larger class sizes at kindergarten.  Special teachers in the fields of technology and music will no longer have a place on the staffs of elementary schools.  Teachers are being asked to accept wage freezes, despite the higher costs of living, and the increased work load that increased class sizes will bring.  It seems that public schools are continually being asked to “do more with less,” but this budget proposal is demeaning to every public school teacher and student!

The budget cuts proposed promise lost jobs in an already tough economy, decreased student achievement, a stressed public education system, and dissatisfied families and California citizens.  Please do not vote to approve the Governor’s Proposed Budget.  In a state which is already graded a D+ for school finance, we cannot tell our citizens that our funding will now be even lower. 

Sincerely,