Stand Up For Students
In an effort to maintain the will of the voters, and improve teaching and learning, educators rallied at the State House to demand lawmakers implement Question 2, which increases education funding in the first year by an estimated $150 million. School districts across the state are creating budgets for next year, and due to the Governor’s budget, which excludes money from Question 2, and overall education funding cuts, some districts have announced program reductions and layoffs. There are several bills, including the Governor’s budget proposal that would eliminate Question 2 and the funds it dedicated to public schools. MEA members, staff and other education advocates spoke to lawmakers all session detailing the need for the additional funding. The issue is divisive, with Republicans drawing what the Bangor Daily News called, "a thick line on eliminating the voter-approved 3% surtax on income over $200,000 to fund education.”
Allison Lytton (Lewiston EA) shares the needs of her students during a rally at the State House where she asked lawmakers to implement Question 2.
A budget, that may or may not include the funding from Question 2, is due later in June. If a budget is not approved by both parties at that time the State would shut down, meaning offices would close and state employees would not be paid. Republicans have reportedly threatened to hold the line and not fund Question 2, even if it means a state shut down. The MEA and its members continue to push to keep education funding in place, with the rally at the State House as one tool to show lawmakers education funding is necessary. May/June 2017 • www.maineea.org
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