Strengthening Washington's Public Schools

Mindy, what useless programs are you referring to? Since education is the biggest single expenditure from the operating budget I too am tired of it being on the chopping block. I'm eager to hear which programs could be cut instead.
We need tax reform asap. ASAP means two-three years at best. In the mean time everyone needs to talk with everyone they know about the impacts to our economy (and culture) for every high school dropout because of an increasingly standardized curriculum with fewer caring adults and fewer enrichment opportunities. Framing the revenue discussions around common good values, shared priorities and connecting taxes to purposes gets us further than making the discussion about 'them' (the rich/greedy corporations) and please don't rei-nforce anti-tax phrases like 'tax burden, tax relief, tax holiday, hard-earned tax dollars' These words immeditaely place the educator on the defensive-and education for all benefits ALL!!! Connect the dots between a healthy, functioning community and the underpinning role of well-supported public systems and services.

THIS SESSION WE NEED NEW REVENUE TO NOT LAYOFF EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS

1. Washington citizens are taxed at about the same percentage that they were over 20 years ago. So, anyone claiming our taxes keep going up as a percent of our income are wrong. That's right, Tim Eyman & AM radio talk jocks lie!
2. Education's percent of the state budget has declined for years even though we are hitting historically high enrollment with more federal and state unfunded mandates.
3. About 70% of the state's expenses cannot be cut due to existing laws (many passed by voters). A few relatively small expenses can be cut, like closing the Mount Si trail, but that will not raise anywhere near $ 2 billion dollars.
4. Since the sales tax plays such a huge role in our state's revenue, recessions destroy our state's revenue base.
5. We MUST increase taxes and eliminate tax loop-holes if we are going to provide essential services in public schools and health care. Further cuts will permanently damage student learning and health statewide.

I'm tired of education cuts being the scare tactic used in order to justify raising taxes. Education isn't the only area in which cuts can be made. The government says they have to make cuts in areas most precious to people in order to make them think raising taxes is the only option. Cut money from the myriad of useless programs and positions unrelated to education to balance the budget shortfalls. I'm entirely opposed to raising taxes even more. Government needs to start being more responsible with the money they already have. They need to re-prioritize their spending habits.

We can't solve the budget crisis with cuts alone.

Jodi,
The Legislature's web page http://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature has a Bill Search tab, where you can type in the 4 digit bill number. Then you can see each bill's full text, summary and legislative staff analysis.

I would like to see more specifics on these bills. Where can I read a more detailed version, so that I know what I am supposed to be opposing?

We haven't had any new information this week. Please keep us updated on what is going on in Olympia and how we can help.