----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Carol Blackard, MD" <Carol.Blackard@ArapaHope.org>
To: vcmoon@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 5:10:27 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain
Subject: Support Joint Resolution for Constitutional Amendment to deTaborize Education
Vorry,
DECIDE – Decide – Education Cuts or Invest in our Democracy and Economy
ACT has decided to join forces with Great Futures of Colorado to help put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that will allow legislators to remove education from the Tabor Amendment stranglehold. It leaves all decisions up to the lawmakers, but simply allows them to increase revenues for preschool, elementary, and higher education without having to go to the people for a vote.
We agree that there are other priorities, such as health care and new energy investments that badly need increased funding, and this amendment is narrow and doesn't cover those needs. However. It is possible that by allowing Education to achieve its funding outside Tabor restrictions, the General Fund can be more generous in meeting other governmental service needs. Also, we feel this is a good topic that reaches a broad population of interested people and is a way to get the conversation started, even if our first efforts fail.
It is our position that by highlighting the community outrage at the cuts that have been and will continue to be made in Education, we can help bring this issue to consciousness.
House Combined Resolution 2001 and HCR 002 have been introduced and can be read at this link http://www.greatedaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DECIDE-language.pdf. There are 30 legislative co- sponsors and 21 organizations endorsing the effort. 2/3 of each legislative chamber must vote "aye" before the Constitutional Amendment can be placed on the ballot. The current wording for the amendment is embedded in the resolution.
Committee hearings will be very soon. We have been asked to spread the word, engage our community, and help pack the Committee Rooms with outraged and highly involved citizens, SO…..
ACTION ALERT
April 19, 2010 from 1:15-5:30 pm in The Old Supreme Court Chamber – House Education Committee
April 29, 2010 from 1:15-5:30 pm in The Old Supreme Court Chamber – Senate Education Committee
Drop by anytime on either or both of these days just to fill up the room with interested folks. You can bring your children also, OR, bring a 3 minute story to share with the committee that relates to exactly how the education cuts have affected you or your family or even close friends that you know (especially if they can't be there to testify for themselves). The personal stories will be the most powerful. If you need help thinking of how to present your story, or more direction about how to get there, call me and I can help. 303 740-6072. The main point, though, is to support our legislators and make a big splash at the capitol to show we really care.
If you're planning on attending, you may use this RSVP link to sign up to receive up-to-date news on the hearings: Great Education Colorado Action
EMAILS
Contact your state legislator and make sure she/he understands you want his full support on the joint resolution and the amendment. By now most of you know how to do this. Let me know if you don't.
Carol Blackard, MD
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