Some Dems argued that it's unfair to expect students in schools affected by budget cuts to meet this performance standard [which amounts to 10th grade level content, offered multiple times].

For SacBee.com's story, click here.

The Committee's action so annoyed State Schools Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell -- a Democrat -- that he issued a release, calling it a "massive step backward"...and commending CA Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for saying he'd veto the Committee's recommended budget (on grounds it includes tax increases; it also rejects a 5% pay cut for state workers, favored by the Governor).

[O'Connell release quote] Governor Schwarzenegger has been a committed advocate for high expectations for all students in California. I applaud him for pledging to oppose any budget plan that would to do away with the CAHSEE as a condition of graduation for our students. The exit exam requirement is a cornerstone of our high school accountability reforms, and I share the Governor's view that its elimination would be a massive step backward for our K-12 public education system. We cannot allow this budget crisis to become an excuse to skirt our responsibility to ensure that all students graduate with at least the minimum level of skills that will help them to survive in the increasingly competitive global economy. I will continue to work with the Governor and the Legislature to reach a budget resolution that protects education and maintains our commitment to improving student achievement and closing the achievement gap.

LATimes.com says the Governor will veto the proposal, click here.

The state legislature's Joint Budget Conference Committee's members are: