Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/55384
We already rank 46th in per-pupil funding — additional cuts will not help us move in the right direction. This is another stark reminder that a state with the ninth- largest economy in the world has lost its way. Dean E. Vogel exacerbate the problem. "CTA is gravely concerned about the governor's proposed new school funding formula, which elimi- nates the state's successful class size reduc- tion program," says Vogel. "This change allows districts to increase class sizes even further. Squeezing more and more students story continued on page 36 Key elements of the governor's proposal The governor's budget would: Keep $4.8 billion in the plan for schools for 2012-13 if voters approve the tax initiative. Should education lose the funding, it would represent an equiva- lent of closing schools for three weeks, the governor's staff told reporters. Fully fund the Quality Education Invest- ment Act (QEIA). Consolidate most categorical funding by employing a questionable "weighted pupil funding formula" that would have the effect of eliminating the class size reduction program, among other things. Decimate child care funding by requiring families to meet federal welfare-to-work participation requirements. It would also implement other child care cuts. Provide no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or student growth funding for community colleges. 12RSE001M CTA Ad January r1 HR.indd 1 12/22/11 1:29 PM February 2012 / www.cta.org 33