The rally was sponsored by the California School Employees Association, whose members came out to protest the stalled budget talks and the possibility of an all-cuts spending plan:
"Education, that's our right. We are here and ready to fight…."
Democratic Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg joined them. He directed his comments at Republicans, who oppose Governor Jerry Brown's plan to extend tax increases to help close the remaining 15 billion dollar budget gap:
"You can't have it both ways. You can't say you're against tax extensions and at the same time say well, I'm also for public education. Governing is about choices."
Brown wants to put the tax issue to voters, but he needs
Republican support. GOP leaders say taxes won't solve the
state's chronic budget problems. The Governor will release a
revised spending plan next month.