The SAA is concerned that things have become a little “too quiet” on the State Budget inside the Capitol. Therefore it issued a budget alert on April 21st.

The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) began taking votes on its version of the 2005-07 State Budget this week, signaling the start of a critical phase in the budget process. The JFC will probably take up K-12 education funding in the second or third week of May.

Although we believe we have been successful in making our case in support of the SAA Budget Priorities during the JFC budget hearings, the budget process is long and we believe it is vitally important for SAA members to maintain continued communication with legislators in support of our priorities.

To reinforce our lobbying efforts inside the Capitol, it is extremely important that you contact the members of the Joint Finance Committee and your own legislators in support of the SAA Budget Priorities. The SAA’s highly organized and effective efforts at the JFC budget hearings helped to turn the public debate regarding state support for public education last month. It would be a shame to allow that momentum to slip away. That’s why we need to let legislators know that we are still watching.

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 the JFC contact information pasted below. 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.