-This budget flunks the basic test of good government: It hurts our children. Our children did not create this financial crisis and they should not have to pay for it.

-A budget is a reflection of our community values. This budget does not value the education, health, or welfare of our children and the future of California 

(Insert personal statement) e.g. I am the parent of two elementary school children in________. I volunteer at my boys’ school, etc. 

-I know how important it is to have small class sizes and enough textbooks for all children. And I know how important it is to close the achievement gap.

-I want to make sure my children and all the children in California have everything they need to succeed.

-All the politicians say we have to work together to find strategies to close the achievement gap. Any cut to education— much less a $ 4 billion dollar cut – is not a good strategy.

-Larger class size is not a good strategy. Fewer textbooks is not a good strategy. Fewer teachers is not a good strategy. Cuts to health care are not a good strategy.

-California’s budget problems should NOT be balanced on the backs of school children. 

-California already spends about $2,000 less per student than the national average. 

-A state budget proposal that looks at cuts alone is not a real solution.

-Investing in public education is also one of the most important ways to ensure the long-term growth and health of our state's economy. Today’s students are tomorrow’s well-educated and highly skilled citizens who will fill more high-paying jobs, create more new businesses, and cost the state less in other social services – if we support them now.