California’s nonpartisan legislative analyst has recommended that the state legislature seek a repeal of the after-school program that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger spearheaded before he became governor.
Elizabeth G. Hill made the recommendation in a recent analysis of the governor’s proposed state budget for fiscal 2006. She said the 2002 voter-approved Proposition 49, which Mr. Schwarzenegger championed, could trigger up to $428 million in automatic spending as early as the coming fiscal year. While the measure is written to kick in only when the state’s economy improves, Ms. Hill argues that the state needs spending flexibility.
Ms. Hill added in last month’s analysis that districts’ regular school programs are a higher priority than Proposition 49, and noted that existing state and federal after-school funds were going unused.
“Obviously, the governor is still a strong believer in after-school programs and supports [Proposition 49],” spokesman Vince Sollitto said.
