Sacramento, March 14—The day before teachers across the state received March 15 notices, CFT Secretary Treasurer Dennis Smith was among the featured speakers in front of the Capitol during an Education Coalition rally calling on Republican legislators to stop blocking the democratic process.  State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is standing at Smith's shoulder. Governor Brown has proposed a June special election to extend temporary taxes put in place two years ago to prevent even more massive cuts from taking place to schools and other necessary social programs.  Due to budget uncertainties, school districts have been forced to issue thousands of layoff notices.  See news story.  Kara Buchanan photo