SAA Members:

This may be your last opportunity to influence your legislators before the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) votes on the K-12 portion of the state budget.

The JFC has scheduled action on the K-12 education portion of the budget for next week. In fact, we believe it is possible that the JFC could finish its budget work next week. For a look at the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) budget papers, see K-12 Budget Papers.

Several important parts of the Republican K-12 package are still hanging in the balance including the revenue cap per pupil increase, declining enrollment relief and funding increases for transportation and special education. That’s why we believe it is vitally important for you to contact the JFC members and your own legislators once again in support of the SAA Budget Priorities. At the very least, it is important to let legislators know that we are still watching.

Essentially our message remains the same as it was in earlier communications. In your communication, please highlight the following:

Support for the SAA position on two-thirds funding, revenue limits, categorical aid increases, revenue cap relief for low-spending and declining enrollment districts, etc. The cumulative impact that 11 years of belt-tightening under state imposed revenue caps has had on your district’s educational programming. It is very important that you tell your district’s story.

Please send a letter using the information discussed above to the members of the Joint Finance Committee as soon as possible. You can email the JFC members easily using this link to JFC Contact Information. For your convenience, I have also provided links to the Senate Directory, the Assembly Directory and Who Are My Legislators. I also encourage you to copy your letter to your legislators and to the SAA.

Please note: If you send your letter via email, be sure to include your complete contact information.

You are the strength of the SAA. Getting your voices heard is the most effective way to influence state legislation. Please take the time to let legislators know that you are watching.

If you should have any comments or questions, please contact the SAA office. Thank you.