SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- One of the state's largest teachers unions said it will oppose Proposition 49, the ballot initiative backed by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger that would expand after-school programs for children.þþBy dedicating money for such programs, the measure ``threatens other valuable and necessary programs by locking up funds,'' said Mary Bergan, president of the California Federation of Teachers, which represents more than 100,000 teachers and school staff members in California.þþThe union is expected to detail its opposition Tuesday.þþDubbed the Schwarzenegger initiative because of the actor's financial and personal support, the measure would earmark up to $550 million by July 2004 for after-school education and safety programs.þþBut a list groups opposing the initiative -- the teachers federation, the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters of California and the California chapter of the National Organization for Women -- say the measure doesn't guarantee any new money and instead squeezes an already tight education budget.þþThe main concern is that the initiative will bite into education funds guaranteed under state law. Proposition 49 has no new sources of money.þþGeorge Gorton, campaign manager for Californians for After School Programs, the group behind the initiative, said it would not take any guaranteed state money. He said opponents have misunderstood the measure.þþ``Shame on them for not doing their homework,'' he said.þþThe California Teachers Association, the state's largest teachers' union, supports the initiative and donated money to the campaign, Gorton said.þþ
Source: NY Times
