I have a thing or two to say about.....well, alot of things. First it is very important that we all, whether you are in the edcucation field or not, to pay attention to what is going on with education and our government.
How do you contact your elected officials?
- Call 1-800-562-6000. Leave a message for your representatives, senator, and the Governor through the toll-free legislative hotline and ask that they fund ECEAP at $110 million for 2011-2013.
- Email (firstname.lastname@leg.wa.gov). In a clear, brief message urge them to support ECEAP maintenance funding and be sure to include your address so they know you are a constituent.
- Find your elected officials here.
What is happening with the 2011-2013 biennial budget?
Planning and negotiations are underway right now. Last week the revenue forecast revealed the state is short $80 million for the current year and $5.1 billion short for the 2011-2013 budget. Thus, more cuts are imminent. The House is expected to release its 2011-2013 budget proposal early next week. The Senate will also release a proposal, either as the form of a separate bill or by amending the House proposal. Negotiations between the Governor, Senate, and House will be intense. Both the House and Senate will need to agree upon and approve one budget bill which will be sent to the Governor for action. She may choose to exercise her line item veto authority to strike specific portions of the budget bill.
Why must we keep speaking up for our youngest learners?
Nothing is safe from cuts. There is a fierce battle of priorities playing out in Olympia right now. The more people who speak up regularly for early learning and our children, the stronger the likelihood cuts to programs like ECEAP will be prevented. It is the third consecutive year of unprecedented budget shortfalls. Fiscal considerations have been taking the forefront from a number of months. Each revenue forecast reveals more of a shortfall and the Governor and legislators are constantly struggling with where to make the cuts.
So here's today's menubreakfast--monday's low stress special--Cheerios with apple smiles and milk.\
Lunch-- cold chicken salad sandwiches(fresh cooked white and dark meat chicken mixed with our fresh and healthy yogurt ranch on whole wheat sandwich thins, with cubed canteloupe melons, celerey and carrot spears, and milk
snack--age appropriately cut red grapes, cottage cheese, and whole wheat crackers
No comments:
Post a Comment