[NormsRevenge]

Not one idiot (ie, too damn many voters) in this state seems to understand that the coffers are empty and the unions and their buddies have been the biggest recipients of democRatic largesse the last few years.

The sooner this state belly flops, the quicker the real work can begin..

Until then, the media and 'responsible' parties will continue beating a broken drum about how evil anyone proposing change, ie; real reform, IS.. like they give one rat's fat arse about the children.

[PeterFinn]

The California PTA, traditionally a nonpartisan organization should lose its 501(c)3 tax exempt status.

Who's going to ping the IRS?

[Wiseghy]

"The Legislature needs to come out and say,...

"We're going to dramatically increase income, property and gas taxes to finance education,'"

I'm certain that all the high income, SUV driving, large house owning PTA members will be just fine with that. Hope the Leg. decides to add in mandatory fees for public schools too, maybe progressively tied to income. /sar.

Sheez!!!! Where do you think money comes from!!

[Rodentking]

This is how Kalifornia got into the problem. There seems to be a bit more money than projected, let's spend it! Nevemind we are the other side of bankrupt. Let's spend what we have and what we can borrow.

[kingu]

The schools never 'lost' 2 billion - they tried to make a grab in some of the extra income the state made, but Prop 98 only covered general revenue that was part of the budget. There's no 2 billion to restore, the coffers are empty, and they can shut up.

Personally I think the schools could stand to lose another 10 billion.. Just take out the benefits. I'd compromise for a health program with reasonable deductibles. But forget this free ride for them and anyone else they wish to include as being 'family.' Oh, and zero benefits (including retirement) for janitors, lunch room ladies, cafeteria workers, administration -- these aren't careers; they're stop gap jobs. If IBM wants to give their janitors retirement, that is the choice of a private company, but these are people paid out of the public coffers. It is called 'public service' not 'awesome career opportunity.'

[polymuser]

PTA exists and PTA units operate at the pleasure of teachers' unions. PTA has never stood against the position of the union, and never will. If it did, teachers would stop paying dues and it would fold within a year.

[Amerigomag]

Sounds like the inmates have taken over the asylum or in this case the consequences of illegal immigration now control the process.

Can't blame them. They pay few taxes and reap some very expensive benefits for their children.

What would California do if they could return 38% of their public school children to Mexico on one bus?

What would Fox do if 20% of his population returned home with a high school education and no where to utilize it except in the drug trades.