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May 11, 2011

California Teachers Launch "State of Emergency" Protests 
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The California Teachers Association has launched a series of actions to
pressure lawmakers to avoid heavy cuts to education and other public
services. The "State of Emergency" campaign calls for renewing a number
of temporary taxes instead of gutting public funding to address the
state's fiscal woes. At least 65 people were arrested in the campaign's
first protest at the California statehouse in Sacramento Monday night.
Teachers' union president, David Sanchez, addressed the crowd.

David Sanchez: "This week we are joined by parents, students, the
education coalition, firefighters, healthcare workers custodians,
community groups, and labor unions. All of whom recognize that
California is in a state of emergency."

Organizers are planning a week-long sit-in at the statehouse in addition
to other statewide actions on Friday.



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