Our legislators in Olympia right now are debating several bills that would temporarily increase our local levy lid. This is an emergency action sought by the governor and others in response to the significant cuts being made to public education in the state budget this year. Many recognize that state funding for education is already too low, so while the state continues to reduce funding even more during this recession, these bills are an attempt to allow districts to collect more money locally. While the proposed increase to the levy lid would not allow us to completely mitigate the effects of the state cuts, it would certainly help.

The general fund levy on the ballot right now reflects the hope that this new legislation will pass. That is why the amount being requested is significantly higher than in previous years. If the levy bills do not pass, the amount that will be collected will be lower. That means that even if our voters pass the general fund levy at the posted dollar amount, the district may only be allowed to collect a portion of it.

Now is a great time to contact our legislators in Olympia: Representatives Judy Clibborn and Marcie Maxwell, and our new state senator, Randy Gordon. Let them know if you support passage of these levy bills (House bills 2670 and 2893, and Senate bills 6502 and 6518). It is also a great time to thank your school district administrators and School Board members for being far-sighted enough to take full advantage of any legislative changes that could positively affect our school budgets.

Aleta Finnila

VP of Advocacy MI PTA Council