NC Budget

The following is taken from today's NCAE Daily Political Briefing.

Despite media reports that a budget deal is done, class size is still being negotiated in the 11th hour by Governor Bev Perdue, Speaker Joe Hackney & Senate Pro Tem Marc Basnight.

On Friday night, the budget deal was done. According to the media, the House and Senate budget writers in Room 612 struck a deal where class size would not be harmed in grades K-12 and teacher assistant positions would be restored. Then came the "but."

Under the agreement, local school districts would be given a "discretionary" cut and returning part of their allocations back to the state. In order to find the money, school systems would be allowed to increase class size in grades 7-12. Governor Perdue was not pleased with this and dispatched her team to open negotiations on this issue. The General Assembly needs the governor's signature on the budget in order to become law.

Governor Perdue's position on protecting classroom learning from cuts is opposed by the NC School Boards Association and the NC Association of School Administrators. In an email message sent to its members today, NCSBA wrote that the "governor is asking the General Assembly to go in the wrong direction."

"Grades 7-12 are critical years for students, just as the early grades are," said NCAE President Sheri Strickland. "Children are at risk of dropping out, they're faced with incredible pressures, and they're going through life changes. They need more teachers in their lives, not less."

Strickland called on members to voice their concerns to the General Assembly directly today. A budget is reportedly being printed this afternoon for distribution to members this evening at 7 p.m.

"NCAE members need to call their representatives and senators today," said Strickland. "If you're in the game, stay in the game until the whistle blows, and if you're not, we need you now. The next two days are critical for student learning and your jobs."

The telephone number for the General Assembly is (919) 733-4111. Tell them to protect class size in all grades, restore teacher assistant positions and protect K-12 public education. The operator will forward you to your Senator and Representative.

I would also like to add that, at tonight's Committee of the Whole meeting Mr. Johnson also asked people to contact their legislators and ask them to finalize the budget so that the school system can also finalize its budget.

Here is a list of the e-mail addresses for the Iredell County Representatives to the General Assembly.

Rep. Julia C. Howard Email: Julia.Howard@ncleg.net

Rep. Darrell G. McCormick Email: Darrell.McCormick@ncleg.net

Rep. Grey Mills Email: Grey.Mills@ncleg.net

Rep. Mitchell S. Setzer Email: Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net

Senator Austin M. Allran Email: Austin.Allran@ncleg.net

Senator James Forrester Email: James.Forrester@ncleg.net

Senator Fletcher L. Hartsell, Jr. Email: Fletcher.Hartsell@ncleg.net