It wasn't all taxes, however. The group cut the amount of money California schools receive for each student per year, from $11,700 to $11,100. California ranks 34th in the nation in per-pupil spending, Henry said.
"The green job data is significant because these jobs are growing in every region across the state, outpacing other vital sectors, and generating business across the supply chain," said F. Noel Perry, founder of Next 10.
Employers offering jobs in fields such as solar-power generation, electric-vehicle development and environmental consultation added 5,000 jobs in 2008, the latest data available.
The report, from the Next 10 public policy group, found that the number of green jobs in the state grew 3 percent between January 2008 and January 2009, reaching 174,000 despite the deepening financial crisis. Employment throughout the California economy rose less than 1 percent.
Next 10, founded by venture capitalist F. Noel Perry, defines green businesses as those that provide alternative energy, specialize in conserving energy and natural resources, and are geared toward reducing pollution and recycling.
