Editorials

Speak up in March

Feb 28, 2008 2:40 PM

Two events are coming up that give educators an opportunity to step out, speak up and be counted: Lobby Day on March 11 and the giant City Hall rally to protest budget cuts on March 19.

We urge you to participate in both.

Lobby Day is when educators get face time with Albany legislators and can tell them in person about the realities of the school system. That’s when members of the Assembly and the state Senate get to know what the schools, students and educators need to improve the system and why the demands made by the union, parents and other public education advocates make sense — and, indeed, are necessities. Like not cutting back on promised education funding, for example. It is an important day of political action that often leads to significant results. And by the way, almost everyone who participates agrees that it is an interesting and rewarding day.

The March 19 rally will also be an important time for educators to show up in force. This will be a combined effort by all 60 organizations and members of the “Keep the Promises Coalition” to send a loud message to city and state leaders on three issues. First, to rescind this year’s devastating $100 million midyear cuts and next year’s $324 million cuts to the city schools budget.

Second, to restore building aid for the city school system.

Third, to restore the $193 million in state education funding that the governor wants to eliminate from the increase that was promised last year.

Both the capital and operating funding is critical to reducing class size.

All these messages need to be loud. All these messages need your voice.