Sample support letter for revenue limit flexibility

Dear (Legislator's Name),

I am writing to ask for your support for the provisions in the Governor's 2007-09 biennial budget allowing for greater revenue limit flexibility for local school districts.

Due to required revenue limit cuts, for next year's budget the district's administration has recommended cutting back on the number of SAGE schools, which currently serve 95% of the district's low-income students. The change would provide resources for only 82% of the district's low-income students.

(Provide examples of the cuts your child/school has experienced — fewer opportunities, larger class size, older siblings that had greater opportunities than younger siblings will, increase in fees for sports participation.)

I urge you to modify the Governor's school security proposal to remove the requirement that the local municipality share 50% of the costs of police officers in schools. I also support a modification to also allow school security assistant expenses to be outside the revenue limits. While not police officers, these assistants provide a critical service to ensure safety in our schools. School safety is one of the most important issues for students, staff, parents and members of our community.

School districts need help due to the oppressive constraints of the revenue limit law. I look forward to your response related to giving local school boards more revenue limit flexibility.

Sincerely,