One of the most important issues for Democrats continues to be education funding. In Gov. Wilson's State of the State address, he is once again selling another 15 percent tax cut. They are opposed to funding schools beyond the minimum funding required by the constitution. Currently, California has the highest ratio of students to teachers in the country. Money is desperately needed by schools to help educate tomorrow's work force , but if Republicans continue to turn their backs on the federal money and support higher college fees, thousands of people will be unable to get the education they deserve.
Environmental laws are also under attack.
The state's r ecycling program has been extremely successful and cost effective. It has created thousands of job opportunities throughout the state and has helped our environ ment. These bills will allow California to continue its commitment to a healthier environment by expanding our recycling program. All have been defeated by the Republicans. Lastly, a bill that would place a tax on tobacco high enough to deter smoking and to fund anti-smoking education, health education and research is widely suppor ted by Democrats, but opposed by Republicans.