Where were these action alerts when the Ryberg/Davis budget was being proposed that sent more to the classroom in SC’s history? The SC School Board won’t go to bat for the classroom teacher, but will rise up to fight against giving kids education choices. Remember many membership dues to this organization are paid with your tax dollars (again robbed from the classroom). Read the anti-choice message below:
Legislative Alert – Voucher/Tuition Tax Credit Bill Vote Wednesday
Action Needed
Contact Senate Education Committee members (see below) by Wednesday, May 13, 2009 – even if they are not your senator – and urge them to vote against the tuition tax credit/voucher bill (S.520).
Background
The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. this Wednesday, May 13 to vote on the South Carolina Education Opportunity Act (S.520), also known as the private school voucher/tuition tax credit bill. The meeting will be held in Room 308 of the Gressette Building in Columbia.
During the subcommittee meeting on this bill, the Board of Economic Advisors reported that S.520 would cost $174.4 million in lost state and local revenue when fully implemented.
Position Statement
SCSBA opposes state-mandated efforts to subsidize elementary or secondary private, religious or home schools with public funds.
Sample Message
Dear Senator ________________:
As a public school supporter and taxpayer, I strongly urge you to vote against the private school tuition tax credit/voucher bill – S.520 – during the Senate Education Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.
At a time when South Carolina public schools and other vital state services have endured unprecedented budget cuts, passing a bill that would drain even more funds from the classroom is unconscionable. The $174.4 million in lost state and local revenue, as reported by the Board of Economic Advisors, is money we do not have to waste on an unaffordable, unproven, and unaccountable program.
It is time to end this ideological debate that has done nothing to advance public education in our state. Thank you for your service to the citizens of our state.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Board Member
[Address]
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