WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today issued the following statement condemning Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California State Legislature for withholding $2.9 billion a month in payments to local school districts so the state can pay down a $19 billion budget shortfall:
“Once again, the state legislature is showing just how out-of-touch it is with the priorities of millions of California families. In an effort to pay their bills, state lawmakers have decided to withhold billions of dollars in funding for teachers and students. Given the severity and potential impact of these cuts, you would think California’s legislators would redouble their efforts to find another solution. Instead, they are preparing to adjourn at the end of August – without a solvent budget.
“The people of California should be absolutely outraged. Politicians in Sacramento have no right to balance their budget on the backs of our children. Rather than passively accept cuts to education and other vital social services, lawmakers should roll up their sleeves and get to work solving the state’s budget crisis. Yes, it’s a tough job: but you were elected to do it.â€
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Vice Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats, and Capabilities. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.