Tell Representative MacGregor to vote NO on HB 4227 until K-12 is funded at least at current levels!
See the action alert from the Michigan Association of School Boards below:
The House K12 subcommittee on appropriations will be voting on HB 4227 Tuesday morning
with the full House expected to vote on it later this week. This bill
is the House’s recommendation
for the new school aid act that will fund schools for the 2013-14
school year. Although it may seem early in the process, this will be
only time the full House will vote on the school aid act until final
passage of a bill in late May. If we have any ability
to impact what this bill will look like, and in turn funding for
schools next year, this is the time to act. Please take the time to
contact your legislator through the evocate system and let them know
your thoughts.
We
have all heard about the 2% increase that you are supposedly getting
from the state and that is the first myth you must dispel. Even though
we are appreciative of the total increase
in spending, all of that is going to pay down the retirement rate for
next year and for an expansion of early childhood programs. Every
district in this state will see a reduction in per pupil discretionary
funding. This is a difficult concept for voters
to understand as they have already read about the “2% increase.” The
House should not pass a bill that does not keep you at this year’s
funding level.
We
are also seeing a change in categorical funding in the House version,
which while not specifically a problem, looks like we are going to a
more grant funded basis that requires
staff time and expertise to access rather than general categoricals.
This will likely exacerbate the funding disparity for some districts
from this year to next. If the amount of foundation money a district
is receiving remains at last year's level these
changes are not a problem, but if not, again it sets up the public to
not understand what is happening.
At
these reduced funding levels you will continue to reduce programs and
lay off staff while the public thinks you are better off this year.
Your costs continue to go up while revenue
continues to go down or be placed in projects that are legislative
initiative rather than locally driven programs.
Please contact your legislators and tell them to vote NO on HB 4227 until schools are funded at current levels.
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