State Superintendent responds to Gov. speech

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued the following statement in response to Governor Schwarzenegger's speech to a joint session of the California Legislature:

            "The Governor spoke at length about the need for the Legislature to have the courage to make the difficult decisions necessary to address our state budget crisis.

            "Given the depth of our crisis, I agree that courage is necessary. But I reject the notion that that the only way out of this mess is to implement budget cuts that would decimate public education. Preparing students for productive futures is a critical mission of our government. It is vital for our state's long-term success that we have an educated, highly skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy. It takes courage to set priorities and stand up for them.

"The Legislature and the Governor must consider new revenues and repealing tax loopholes as part of a responsible budget compromise. To do otherwise would shortchange students in schools today and the future of all Californians."