"Did you know that funding for your local public schools has been reduced by more than 18percent over the last two years? With three married children and 11 grandchildren here in California, I am well aware of the economy in our state.
Many of our community members are having financial difficulties. We have all tried to work more efficiently and tighten our financial belt, so to speak. In this district, like many of you at home, we have used all of our savings to mitigate the loss of funding and maintain our outstanding programs.
Of course, the longer this financial downturn continues, the more difficult it will be for everyone."