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March 10, 2003
Dear (Legislator):
As school districts across the state grapple with balancing budgets, it is clear that revenue limits are forcing deep cuts into programs and services for children. Gov. Doyle's budget will require Madison to cut over $9 million from its current budget to comply with revenue limits. Cuts of this magnitude could potentially affect class size, textbook purchasing and the elimination of some team sports at the high school level. Since the start of revenue limits, Madison Schools have cut nearly $25 million and eliminated over 250 positions.
(Provide examples of cuts to programs/services/extracurriculars at YOUR child's school.)
I urge you to support Gov. Doyle's inflationary revenue limit increase, the $100 million increase to school aids, and continued state aid for summer school, SAGE, and 4-year old kindergarten.
Freezing state aid at the 2002-03 rate translates into an additional $6 million cut for Madison Schools. Due to market fluctuations, utility and transportation costs have exceeded budget allocations. Utility costs are projected to be $500,000 over budget this year. Schools need the inflation increase.
The governor also proposes to increase aid to K-12 by transferring $100 million from the Transportation Fund. Madison spends nearly $7.5 million for student transportation. Again, due to rising gas prices, expenses are exceeding the actual amount budgeted.
With all the accountability measures contained in the federal No Child Left Behind law, funding for summer school is essential if struggling students are to make the grade. SAGE and 4-year old Kindergarten are helping students meet district and state standards. (Personal observation/comments about YOUR child's experience in small classes.)
Thank you for your consideration of these budget items. I urge you not to cut deeper into public education. After ten years of revenue limits, our schools can't take any more cuts.
Sincerely,
Name
Address
This letter highlights the key issues in the 2003-05 budget for Madison Schools. Use the letter as a guide to communicate to legislators in your own words.