Tax Hikers Say Ed Aid Hike Not Enough

Take a look at this email from A+, a tax hiking group, composed of a lot of teacher unions, including

  • the Barrington Education Association,
  • the (Carpentsville) District 300 Education Service Personnel Association,
  • Cary-Grove Education Association,
  • the Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association (CLETA),
  • the Dundee Township Democratic Organization,
  • Elgin Community College/Adult Education,
  • Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice,
  • Girl Scouts-Sybaquay Council,
  • Illinois Migrant Council,
  • Kane County Health Department,
  • Local Education Association District 300,
  • McHenry Classroom Teachers Association,
  • McHenry County IFT Local 1642,
  • Obama for America/Chicago,

Prairie Grove Teachers’ Association, among others:

Colleagues:

The time is now.

Today, a proposed state budget for FY 2008 was unveiled, calling for $568 million in additional money for education.

Some of the details of this proposed budget:

* $308.8 million to increase the foundation level by $400 to $5,734.

* $185.5 million to fully fund mandated categoricals.

* A minimal (2%) increase for Illinois’ public colleges and universities.

* $10 million for a block grant program for private schools.

After analyzing this proposal, IEA GR and governance have determined that the organization must oppose this “no-solution” budget.

It is imperative that you and all your colleagues, friends and neighbors immediately contact every member of the Illinois House and Senate and urge them to reject this budget plan.

Talking points

* This budget uses one-time money to fund education. Education needs and deserves a permanenent, predictable and sustainable revenue stream. No more year-to-year Band-aid budgets!

* This budget does little to address the inequities in the Illinois school funding system.

* This budget diverts money from public schools to private schools. Public dollars are for public schools.

If this budget can be stopped, we will be well-positioned, in the days and, if necessary, weeks to come, to push for a modest increase in the state income tax to fund education.

Colleagues, this is a crucial time. Contact your Illinois State Representative and Senator immediately.

Tell your legislator, whether you are represented by a Republican or a Democrat, that you expect them to vote “NO” on this “no solution” budget and that you want them to support an income tax increase for education.

We will keep you informed of any significant developments as they occur.


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