Budget update: A letter from your MEA president

Dear MEA members,

Last night, friends of public education drew a line in the sand by opposing massive cuts to K-12 education. Legislators from both political parties voted to turn down a cut of $218 per pupil -- agreeing with 77 percent of voters who opposed cuts to public schools.

Resulting from that bipartisan show of support for students, we now sit, on Oct. 1, essentially without an education budget, looking ahead to a new deadline two weeks from now (when the October school aid payments are made) when the Legislature must pass a budget that reflects a real investment in our students' futures and our state’s economic prosperity.

All of us who made our voices heard on the K-12 budget during the past few days need to be proud of protecting Michigan's investment in our students. Whether you were at the Capitol in person or home making calls and sending e-mails, MEA members -- along with thousands of other Michigan citizens -- played a key role in reinforcing the courage of our friends in Lansing to rise in opposition to these cuts.

Our work is not done. We have to continue to encourage all legislators -- regardless of how they voted last night -- to make the tough choice to find new revenue to invest in public schools. We can't afford to let up now -- and we can’t afford to fail in our efforts to secure the funding for a public education that will prepare students for the jobs Michigan needs.

Recently, we launched our "Union Pride" initiative. The timing is very fitting. I can honestly say that I have never been prouder to be a member of the Michigan Education Association -- a strong union that stands up for students and school employees alike.

With pride and thanks,
Iris K. Salters
Your MEA President

Updated: October 1, 2009