Special Session 2007 Tax Revenue

Dear FEA members:

Whether it’s your first year in Florida’s public schools or you are a seasoned veteran, I want to extend my best wishes for a successful school year. … Welcome! I know you’re busy with the beginning of the school year bustle, but I turn to you once again for your help. Together, we have made a difference in Florida’s public schools because of FEA’s involvement. We must carry on that tradition in the days and weeks ahead.

The economists from the state of Florida have revised their estimates regarding how much tax revenue the state will collect this year. As you know, the state’s yearly budget is based on those estimates. When the estimates don’t pan out, the budget must be adjusted. That’s why the Legislature will convene in Tallahassee on September 18 in special session to revise the state budget they passed back in May.

Legislators have a number of options at their disposal. They could use money from the state’s financial reserves, they could impose revenue increases, they could use money for programs that were vetoed by the governor last spring, or they could require spending cuts. Every indication is that the governor and legislative leaders favor only the latter approach. They want to cut this year’s education budget while telling the public that they intend to hold education harmless.

These budget cuts could potentially have a huge impact in your district, your school and your classroom. Most contracts have yet to be negotiated – in large part because districts are unsure of how much money they have. Raises will likely be smaller, despite the fact that public school salaries in Florida are thousands of dollars below the national average. Programs may be cut, school services curtailed and there may even be layoffs in some places.

On the horizon, the Legislature has put a constitutional question on the ballot for January 29, which is the date of the presidential primaries in Florida. That ballot initiative would give homeowners the option of taking a higher homestead exemption, which would lead to further revenue problems. But the bigger question at hand today is about the budget cuts in advance of the special session. Here’s what I’d like you to do:

• Sign up on the FEA website for the FEA Pump Up the Volume legislative action program and send legislators messages about the budget shortfall and its impact on schools.
• Call and/or write your local legislators with relevant and personalized information about your school and your school district.
• Write letters to the editor and make calls to local radio talk shows.
  Stay informed through FEA and local association communications about status of the special session and your local negotiations.

FEA is ready to stand beside you in fighting for the things that you believe in and against bad public policy that threatens the future of Florida’s children.

Please do your part to tell your stories of public education in Florida to our political leaders and to the public through letters to the editors, phone calls on talk radio and in conversations with your neighbors, family and friends.

Thanks for your help on this financial issue and thanks for all the hard work you do every day preparing and caring for the children of Florida.