A Fiscal Storm Is Coming

Use “rainy day” fund to dampen the impact of Category 5 threat to public education

You can also find this video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOYVtRiDN28


FEA is speaking out about the fiscal "storm" that is ravaging public education in our state.  FEA President Andy Ford hosted a press conference at the Capitol to highlight the poor decisions and corresponding budget cuts that are creating this storm. 

Members and FEA supporters rallied around President Ford, lined up with black umbrellas, to demonstrate their support for using Florida's rainy day fund to close the funding gap in the current budget proposals.

Call your local leaders, urge them to find the money to protect public education.
A sample script is below:

"I'm __________ with __________ and I'm calling you to discuss the financial storm that is hitting our public schools and Florida's working families.  Florida faces one of the largest budget shortfalls in the country, and our economy is in a recession.  Governor Crist has suggested that we tap into the state's "rainy day" fund to provide the necessary resources to maintain our public schools until the economy improves.  The Budget Stabilization Fund has over $1.4 billion, which is its highest level ever, and there are additional funds with similar amounts that could be utilized to avoid teacher and support staff layoffs.  Its also likely that many important after-school programs will be eliminated due to these budget cuts.  Sitting on a rainy day fund rather than using it to maintain vital services is essentially the same as having no fund at all.  Florida residents deserve better.  I'm asking you to please use Florida's rainy day fund now."