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No More Cuts!
A Special Session of the Legislature to revise the 2008-2009 budget due to the worsening economy convened today, Monday, January 5, 2009. Governor Crist and legislative leaders seems set on across-the-board cuts for critical programs like public education.
The recession and the resulting budget shortfalls are increasing the pressures that teachers face in the classroom each day. Unlike other state funded projects, a child’s education can not be postponed or cutback. Decisions made by the Legislature this year will have a lasting impact on the children of Florida.
You may send the sample letter (quick and easy), or you may edit the subject and text to send a personalized letter of your own liking (more effective). Prior to this advocacy campaign, Seminole GetsActive e-activists have sent more than 8,700 letters to policy makers on behalf of public education.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Education Cuts Never Heal!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
This Special Session of the Florida Legislature is critical to the future of Florida's children who are enrolled in our public schools. We urge that you consider budget decisions deliberatively and understand a child's education cannot be postponed or cutback.
The recession and the resulting budget shortfalls are increasing the pressures that teachers face in the classroom each day. Decisions made by the Florida Legislature this Special Session and in March 2009 will have a lasting impact on our children.
So far, in my county, Seminole, our district has had to cut hundreds of teaching postitions and eliminate course offerings for our students. Now we hear that more layoffs and even less opportunities for our students are likely if you cut our district's budget further. Seminole County schools are at a breaking point and your decision will have a direct impact on our students.
The Florida Legislature must cap cuts in education funding and find new revenue sources to support our public schools.
I know your task is difficult but I trust you will consider this message and act in the best interest of Florida's students and in compliance with Florida's Constitution.
"The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provision for the education of all children residing within its borders. Adequate provision shall be made by law for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education and for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of institutions of higher learning and other public education programs that the needs of the people may require."
- Article IX, Section 1, Florida Constitution
Emphatically,
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