 'Missouri's
economy will improve only when legislators realize education is
an investment.'
As yet another school year closes, my thoughts are
on what the future holds for many teachers and support professionals
in schools across Missouri.
Your school district will have funding withheld before the end of
this fiscal year (June 30), and the state budget calls for $185
million in education cuts statewide in the 2003-04 school year.
This will be a devastating blow to many school districts. Cuts of
this magnitude will result in the loss of thousands of teachers
and education support professionals.
The leaders of the Missouri House and Senate have handled their
duties so clinically that they appear oblivious to the pain of the
teachers who will lose their jobs and the students who will suffer
from overcrowded classrooms and the loss of programs that support
each child’s opportunity for a well-rounded education.
I know this state-funding package would have to be $500-$700 million
to spare school funding and other vital state services from further
crippling cuts, but it doesn’t appear that Speaker of the
House Catherine Hanaway and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder
will allow Missouri voters to make this decision—at least
not to the extent I predict is needed.
Although this year’s legislative session is over, you need
to contact your elected leaders for at least three reasons.
-
Missouri’s economy will improve only when legislators
realize education is an investment. Your members of the House
of Representatives and the Senate need to understand the cause-and-effect
relationship of their actions.
-
You can put a face on the impact of these cuts in your school.
You know the stories and the people and are the best person
to communicate that message to your legislators.
-
Finally, you need to know if the legislators that represent
you are working to protect school funding or giving excuses
about why they refuse to provide the resources we need to educate
children.
The only way to fix this funding deficit is to raise revenues.
Tax limitation laws cap at approximately $75 million the amount
of new taxes that can be passed by the legislature. This will not
put a dent in Missouri’s projected shortfall. As a result,
a meaningful tax package will have to go before the voters for approval.
I believe Missouri voters would support a revenue package to protect
funding for schools.
If your legislators refuse to help solve the problem, perhaps it’s
time to start thinking about electing someone who will in 2004.
by Greg Jung
Missouri NEA President
Other Reflections
Temper your frustration with determination
The Classroom Trust Fund
'Having a pro-public education legislature
has never been more uncertain'
Missouri teachers missing benefits
of Social Security
Reflecting on our work
Every child deserves a great school
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