On Proposition 49

Proposition 49, the 2002 Schwarzenegger-sponsored afterschool initiative, has been in the news lately. That's because nearly four years after its approval the measure is going into effect in the next budget, with some $400 million going toward the afterschool program. With the budget still chronically imbalanced some have called for the governor to go back to voters and hold the implemtation of the measure until sunnier fiscal days. In today's Bee, But both Democratic and Republican lawmakers - as well as the nonpartisan legislative analyst - have suggested that the Legislature sponsor a measure on the June ballot that would delay the proposition's implementation or allow more flexibility in how much money must be spent on such programs. Asked if he would consider either alternative, Schwarzenegger said, "Well, no." He defended after-school programs, saying they give children something to do on weekday afternoons instead of getting involved with gangs, guns, alcohol and sex. I just thought I would share one funny response I was e-mailed to the governor's argument: I don’t know how they think they’re going to get these kids that are having tons of sex and then getting drunk and shooting s--t every day after school to come to some daycare program and play kickball. Maybe it’s just me.