We Need To Get Ready.
Just two days ago, we had a series of meetings with high-ranking members of the House and Senate Education Appropriation Committees as well as some knowledgeable government affairs staffers. The picture is grim. Privately, everyone is telling us to expect up to 15% across-the-board cuts. This is an election year. The urge to stay in office far outweighs the need to find a permanent funding solution for public education. The path of least resistance involves cuts.
Each official admitted that there was money, enough to seriously reduce the $3B deficit, available through closing corporate loopholes, eliminating tax exemptions and making Florida’s antiquated corporate tax system more equitable. As it stands, Florida’s mom and pop corporations are paying the freight for big box retailers who skate by nearly tax-free. Florida Lawmakers’ steadfast refusal to implement combined reporting laws is perplexing. Joining over 22 other states that have taken a stand against these elaborate shell games would re-direct millions of dollars annually back to our state. The money is here. There’s just no will to go against powerful lobbyists and special interests.
Three things we heard in each meeting:
1. Last year would have been a bloodbath if we parents had not stood firm and expressed ourselves.
2. There is absolutely no plan for what happens after the stimulus money runs out.
3. The only thing that will make a difference this year and going forward is a massive, coordinated public outcry from parents and teachers who vote.
We are calling on each of you to do what you can. Fight additional cuts to our schools.
Do these 6 things today:
- Fan us on your Facebook page
- Forward this email to three friends
- Know the issue. Read about the education funding crisis on our Twitter page
- Speak out, speak up, call and write your legislators from your county
- Go to our Take Action tab to learn what you can do to play a part
- Find a friend and organize your school together
We are standing together, side-by-side in this fight with parents and teachers from all across Florida. Florida must fund education now. No excuses.
We Need You To Get Ready.
4. Last year would have been a bloodbath if we had not stood firm and expressed ourselves.
The stimulus money gave us all a little breathing room. Getting too comfortable is dangerous for our kids. We are too smart for this. We simply cannot stand by and watch as 4th graders lose all self esteem because of high-stakes testing and disengaged lawmakers use our statehouse as way-station to Congress.
We are standing together, side-by-side in this fight with parents and teachers all across the state. Florida must fund education now. No distractions. No excuses.
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