We understand that current state revenue projections for 2009-2010 will impact the quality of Floridas public schools. We are writing to let you know that these cuts will have a dramatic impact on the families of the State of Florida. We are aware of the current state of our economy and we trust that you will do all you can to ensure that our schools are properly funded.

In a recent New York Times Magazine article David Leonhardt wrote the following about the stimulus currently being debated in Washington, in that article he wrote;
There really is no mystery about why education would be the lifeblood of economic growth. On the most basic level, education helps people figure out how to make objects and accomplish tasks more efficiently. It allows companies to make complex products that the rest of the world wants to buy and thus creates high-wage jobs. Education may not be as tangible as green jobs. But it helps a society leverage every other investment it makes, be it in medicine, transportation or alternative energy. Education-educating more people and educating them better-appears to be the best single bet that a society can make.

He makes an important point. While our challenges are great, there is too much at stake not to do what we can to preserve our childrens education. The education of our children will serve as the foundation for the growth and prosperity of the state of Florida for decades to come. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen without you knowing how concerned we are about the situation.

To that end we ask that you:

-OPPOSE additional cuts in educational funding and fight to restore funding lost in the previous and current years.

-PROTECT and SUPPORT equitable access and time for students to study the performing and fine arts which include art, music, theater and dance from teachers certified to teach those areas. It is essential to provide a rounded education to all students; therefore, these courses must not receive disproportionate school or district cuts due to budget shortfalls.

-OPPOSE new and unfunded initiatives that re-designate use of current district funds.

-SECURE funds from the Economic Recovery Act, which includes funding to help our communities meet the challenges of budget shortfalls.

-UPHOLD the Florida constitutional obligation to provide a uniform, efficient, safe, secure and high quality system of free public schools that allow students to obtain a high quality education.

We appreciate your support of our efforts to educate our children and protect our future.