Recently, we received an e-mail from a parent concerned about budget cuts for FY2010 in response to a letter she had received from her school district's Superintendent. The e-mail from the parent had completely inaccurate information regarding the FY2010 budget process. Because we had a great relationship with the Superintendent, we called him up and asked a few questions.
He very graciously explained that one reason parents and teachers are in such a panic is because the only printed information out there for people to read are the Chairmen's options, which total almost $900 million in cuts in FY2010. This "options" book was put out early in session to list every possible cut available to legislators. Those of us down at the Capitol know that there will never be $900 million in cuts to K-12 funding; but, unless you are down here, you wouldn't know this.
The statement made by this Superintendent is a fair criticism of the process. In order to provide additional information for parents and teachers, we are going to start listing items in the K-12 budget items that are being discussed during the FY 2010 budget process on the blog. However, keep in mind that nothing passes through the Legislature without 31 Representative votes, 16 Senator votes and the Governor's signature. This means everything is up for discussion until the very end.
Blog entries relating to the budget will always begin with the title "2010 Budget - and then the name of the area being discussed".
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This is EXACTLY what you said about the "chairmen's options" for the 08-09 budget adjustments to K-12 education. Don't worry, you said, those are only options. Then you voted for a budget adjustment that cut MORE from K-12 education.
ReplyDeleteWhy would we think you have credibility now?