Watch CBS News

California Teachers Begin Week-Long Budget Protest

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thousands of teachers are expected to stage rallies throughout California this week over concerns that the state's budget deficit will lead to deep spending cuts to public schools.

Teachers are staging sit-ins, teach-ins and protests as they face the threat of layoffs, larger classes and the elimination of myriad programs. The first one starts early Monday in San Francisco.

The California Teachers Association wants the Legislature to help close California's remaining $15.4 billion deficit by directly approving an extension of higher sales, income and vehicle taxes. Gov. Jerry Brown prefers a special election.

Monday's events in Sacramento coincide with a protest by peace activists who seek to call attention to an array of issues. They say they will try to camp overnight on the Capitol grounds.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.