On Wednesday, the Assembly Republican Caucus met in a daylong session to discuss the budget and other policy matters.  The Education Budget briefing was of particular interest.  The Assembly Republicans are working on a plan that, unlike the Governor’s proposed budget, does not suspend Prop. 98, the 20-year-old educational funding formula passed by initiative. 

The Republican education budget for K-14 (Prop. 98) plan includes:

1) A modest year-to-year growth in education spending versus the roughly $1 billion real reduction in spending proposed by the Governor
2) An increase in per student spending over the current budget year
3) Education and budgetary reforms aimed at getting more money into the classroom

Of course, the plan would require support from the majority Democrats who so far only appear intent on proposing tax increases to solve the now $8 billion deficit problem.  In fact, the Democrats have proposed at least $25 billion in tax increases to date, including reducing the child dependent tax credit which would raise taxes by $2.4 billion, costing the average family of four $400 per year. 

With effort, we can pass a balanced budget, increase education spending, rather than enact a cut, and not increase taxes. 

The coming months will tell.

All the best,

Chuck DeVore
California State Assemblyman, 70th District
www.ChuckDeVore.com