LEGISLATIVE CONTACT INFORMATION
Thank you for taking the time to act for change. Protecting the future of education and our regional economy requires immediate action. Our Federal and State legislators need to know two things:
You know the way education is funded needs to change
You think it is vital to make education a key to economic recovery for our region.
Read on to find out how you can make a difference. Each of the legislators listed on the reverse have a role in school funding and economic recovery at the Federal, State and/or local levels. Please call, How You Can Help: Points to Include in Legislative Communication
1. Economic Stimulus and Education: Let our Federal and State legislators know that you believe including educational facilities as part of any infrastructure stimulus programs can result in job creation, stimulate the new “green” industries and help reduce the costs of education while preparing our children to be competitive citizens.
As an example, Olmsted Falls City Schools are using geothermal heating for our new Intermediate School. The expanded use of solar, wind and geothermal, in the long term, will help us reduce energy costs. This means more dollars available for use in the classroom. This is true for schools across Northeast Ohio whether they are building new or retrofitting existing buildings.
The Federal Government needs to provide more funding to cover the increased costs of the unfunded No Child Left Behind and underfunded Special Education mandates.
2. Changes in Funding Education in Ohio are needed this year: This is the biggest pocketbook issue of our time. While giving tax breaks to business may be good for our economy, legislative inaction has shifted the burden for funding education squarely onto the backs of residential homeowners. The Ohio Lottery is not the answer – real reform in school funding is needed.
3. It is time for the State Legislators to live up to their Constitutional Responsibilities: Let our State Legislators know you know the current method of school funding is unconstitutional; and, the Ohio Supreme Court has charged them with devising a plan for providing and funding a common system of education in Ohio. Not the Governor, but the State Senate and House.
4. The Time to Act is Now: Our State legislators need to know that after 15 years of inaction now is the time for them to address and fix the funding of schools in Ohio. They need to know that you think changing the way education in funded is a priority.
5. Accountability: Our District is living up to our responsibilities. The District has met State and Federal Standards and residents are paying their taxes. Now is the time for our legislators to fulfill their responsibilities. Let our legislators know you are aware they campaigned on a platform of reforming educational funding. Let them know that you will be watching. Their performance on this issue will determine if you can support them for re-election.
Act Today: Protecting The Future Begins with Our Collective Effort!
This news article has expired and is no longer viewable.
Thank you,