It's time to go to Lansing
It's time to go to Lansing!!! (see related article, "Where is your whereas?" ) If you thought our school budget problems were over following last year's budget battles, think again. A shortfall in the state budget for next year will make it difficult, if not impossible, for the state to finance the $70 to $140 increase in the per-pupil foundation grant promised in the Senate School Aid Budget.
And while the budget is falling short of promised increases, legislators are considering a summer tax holiday on fuel that could siphon $260 million from the school aid fund and a proposal to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax surcharge, which also provides revenue to schools.
To make our voice heard, we propose a Grassroots gathering in Lansing Wednesday, June 18 to meet with legislators, legislative staff, Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and others to communicate our desire for them to keep education as their No. 1 priority.
We need an RSVP to know how many people plan to attend. If you can join the Kent ISD Grassroots group in the State Capitol in Lansing from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, please email karendailey@kentisd.org to reserve your opportunity to communicate the importance of education!
Ronald Koehler, APR
Assistant Superintendent,
Organizational and Community Initiatives
Kent ISD
616-365-2292