Locals and Schools Need a Lift

Take action to ensure our communities and schools are adequately funded.

Send this message to:

Governor Jennifer Granholm (if you live in Michigan)
Your Representative (if you live in Michigan)
Your State Senator (if you live in Michigan)

Subject:

Dear [ Decision Maker ],

(Edit Letter Below)

I am writing to urge your support of the modest increases that have been proposed for our local municipalities (i.e., statutory revenue sharing) and schools. These much needed increases would give our local communities and school districts the opportunity to provide services and programs that will enhance our states quality of life and attract the employers Michigan needs to compete in the new economy.

Over the last six years, local governments have seen their funding cut by 62 percent, more than $3 billion.  In fact, Michigan has 1,600 fewer law enforcement officers and 2,400 fewer firefighters protecting our communities now than we had on September 11th, 2001.  The Governor and House provided a four percent (4%) increase in statutory revenue sharing in the General Government budget (HB 5816).  These dollars fund police patrols, fire fighters, municipal water systems, road maintenance, garbage collection and other services essential to quality of life and safety of Michigan communities.

Funding for our schools has been equally decimated over the last six years, forcing many schools to increase their class size and in some communities, schools have been forced to close and some are even facing bankruptcy.  In the school aid budget (SB 1106) the Governor proposed increasing the per pupil foundation allowance between $108 to $216, depending on the level the school district's current foundation allowance.  The Senate reduced the foundation allowance to $71 to $142 per pupil.  This reduction is unwise and will hurt many children who have gone without textbooks for the last couple of years. For far too long we have shortchanged Michigan's children and we need to step up to the plate and adequately fund our schools if we truly want our children to be successful.  Essential to our state's ability to compete in a global market is a quality education system that prepares Michigan's' youth for college and a competitive global economy.

Based upon the above, I urge to support the modest increases in revenue sharing and the per pupil foundation allowance.  It's time our state stops breaking its promise to our local communities and children and ensure that Michigan remains a desirable place to live and raise a family.  Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Complete the following to send this message and sign-up to receive periodic updates. If you have participated before, just type in your email address and set your prefix, then submit the form.

Email:*

Prefix:*

First Name:*

Last Name:*

Address Line 1:*

Address Line 2:

City:*

State:

ZIP/Postal Code:*

Country:*

* Required Field