California’s teachers union is opposing Governor Newsom’s budget plan saying it will hurt future school funding even though Newsom wants to avoid immediate cuts and layoffs by spreading costs over time.
California Teachers Union Opposes Newsom’s Budget Plan – Citing Future Funding Concerns
According to the published article of ABC 7, California‘s largest teachers union is fighting Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget plan saying it will hurt school funding. Newsom’s plan aims to protect schools from $8.8 billion in immediate cuts using a complex accounting method. However, David Goldberg president of the California Teachers Association argues this will cost school districts nearly $12 billion in the future. The teachers union which represents 310,000 educators plans to start an advertising campaign to highlight this issue and may file a lawsuit if needed.
This dispute is a big challenge for Newsom who has avoided major conflicts during past budget crises. Last year, he managed a budget shortfall by borrowing and delaying spending without cutting programs. But the current deficit, which could be as high as $55 billion has increased pressure on him. Newsom‘s plan involves not counting the $8.8 billion already spent by schools in this year’s budget but instead spreading the cost over future budgets starting in 2025-26. Critics say this is a bad idea that will make future deficits worse and require tougher decisions later.
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California’s $8.8 Billion Budget Showdown: Teachers Union Launches Ad Campaign Against Newsom’s Plan – Warning of $12 Billion in Future Cuts! (PHOTO: ABC7)
Newsom Defends Budget Plan Amid Criticism of Teachers Union – Stresses Long-Term Education Investment
Furthermore, despite the criticism Newsom insists his plan is the best way to avoid immediate cuts and prevent layoffs in schools. He believes spreading the cost over future budgets will help keep previous investments in education. The debate focuses on Proposition 98 the formula that decides school funding which was impacted by lower tax revenues last year. Newsom’s administration says adjusting the funding retroactively is necessary while opponents see it as an attempt to reduce future school funding guarantees.
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