LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2008 –  On Friday, a group of ardent community activists joined Assemblymember Curren Price at LA Southwest College to protest the governor's proposed budget cuts which will greatly impact teachers, schools, healthcare and vital social services.  

"We should not balance a budget on the backs of our teachers, students and seniors," said Price, as the crowd of sign-wielding protestors cheered. 

The rally began with the Vice President of Inglewood School District, Carol Raines Brown, singing the National Anthem, followed by a succession of impassioned testimonials from attendees.    The Assembly Speaker Elect, Assemblywoman Karen Bass, addressed the crowd and urged the importance of the community taking an active stance against the budget because the cuts to one vital social service impact so many more, ultimately making the entire community suffer.  Other notable speakers included: 55th District Assemblyman Warren Furutani; LAUSD Superintendent, Admiral David Brewer; President of Southwest College, Dr. Jack Daniels; Inglewood City Councilman, Ralph Franklin; Gardena City Councilman, Steve Bradford; Former State Assemblyman Rod Wright; California Faculty Association Member, David Bradfield; and Owner of the Graceful Senescence Adult Day Health Care Center, Nina Nolcox.

Superintendent of the Inglewood School District, Dr. Pamela Short Powell, spoke of the hundreds of Inglewood teachers that she has had to lay off due to the cuts and demanded justice for schools and teachers.  "We have done everything we are supposed to do," said Dr. Short Powell.  "Now the Governor must do right by us!"

Assembly Democrats proposed a more fair approach to balancing the budget that would generate almost 3 billion dollars by closing tax loopholes and taxing the record, windfall profits of California's "Big Oil" companies.    The cuts that are proposed to go into effect on July 1, 2008, greatly reduce education funding, veteran’s assistance, senior citizen's assistance and public safety programs.  

Many potentially impacted organizations had representation at the rally, including: Community Coalition, Centinela Valley Union High School District, Lawndale Teachers Association, Redondo Beach Teachers Association, Communication Workers Association - Local 91119, Hawthorne Elementary School's Faculty Association, Pathways to Your Future, Los Angeles Black Women's Health Project, Jonathan Reid Family Rights Coalition, Jenesse Center and the National Association of Letter Carriers. 

Assemblymember Price ended the rally by encouraging attendees to write the Governor's office and their representatives to demand justice for our community.  "True change in a democracy always starts with people just like you," said Price.   "Don't let this opportunity to create change pass you by!" 

To learn more about the proposed budget cuts and how you can take action, please visit Assemblymember Price's website at http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a51/  and click on the budget link.

Assemblymember Curren Price serves the 51st Assembly District, which includes Inglewood, Hawthorne, Gardena, Playa Vista, Westchester, Lawndale, West Athens, Lennox, Alondra Park, West Compton, Del Aire, Willowbrook, and portions of unincorporated Ladera.