The Budget Crisis - Bigger Than Ever

Many of you probably know: The state of California does not have enough money to pay for everything right now. The State Legislature must decide what to do.

We - the people of the state of California - are at a real crossroads.

What is a crossroads? A crossroads is the place where two roads come together and you must decide: Where do I go? What do I do?

The State of California must decide: Should we cut programs? Should we raise taxes? If we cut programs, what programs do we cut? Governor Schwartzennger is talking about cuts for education, health care, state parks, and other programs.
If we raise taxes, what kind? Taxes for people for lots of money? Or taxes for everyone - like a sales tax?


At San Mateo Adult School, we have already made some cuts. The Adult School has closed some classes. Distance Learning is now much smaller. Seniors must pay for classes now.

Other Adult Schools have made cuts also, some of them very big. Many schools, all across California, are making cuts.

We have already raised the state sales tax.

But we must do more. California does not have money to pay its bills right now. What are the bills the state must pay? The state pays for schools and teachers. The state pays for courts and law enforcement. The state pays for roads and hospitals, job safety and unemployment, environmental protection and emergency response systems. The state pays for many, many things so we can live safely and prepare for the future.

Now Caliornia does not have enough money to pay for these things.

You can help decide what we do. You can tell the State Legislature your opinion about cuts and taxes. You can tell them what is important to you. How do you think this problem can be solved?

This is a serious time. Think about what is important to you. Think about how we can solve this serious problem. And then tell your represenstatives your experiences and ideas.

You can find out your local representatives here:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Enter your zip code, click on your legislator and it will link to the members home page with email contact information.