Dear Lucas:
Folks, many of you know that during the past several months, I have been traveling around our great state sounding the alarm on the Republican's education plan. Over the weekend, Governor McCrory negotiated a budget that cuts nearly a half-billion dollars from public education in North Carolina. As the former Superintendent of Public Instruction and Congressman, I am in total shock over what the Republicans are trying to pull. This budget is my worst nightmare.
The Republicans are slashing our public education, and their proposal begins to dismantle our schools. Here are just a few items on how it will effect our education system:
Will force over 4,000 teachers and 3,800 teachers assistants out of the classroom
Will take your tax dollars and puts them in for-profit private schools leading us down the path to privatizing education
Will raise some college tuition; will cause over 10,000 students will lose financial aid to UNC system campuses and community colleges
Will phase out the NC Teaching Fellows Program
Will create a merit pay plan for teachers while abolishing teacher tenure
Additionally, the McCrory-negotiated budget does not allow for any pay raises for our teachers. This is absolutely disrespectful to the men and women who teach our children.
For over 60 years, both Democrats and Republicans have recognized the importance of the need for a great education. There are great leaders such as Jim Hunt and Terry Sanford that made our education a national model; now, we are on the front pages of national newspapers in a negative way.
North Carolina has a long history of investing in our public education. Through the years, elected officials have understood the importance of investing in public education--strong schools attract businesses to locate here which means more jobs. The GOP in today's General Assembly just don't understand our history.
Governor McCorory's negotiated budget hurt our teachers, children, and our state. Instead of taking our great state forward, their proposals will take us backwards. This budget slashes education funding while giving tax breaks to the super wealthy. I encourage you to call and tell Governor McCrory to veto this budget. Its bad for our children. Its bad for North Carolina.
This proposed budget puts our public schools, teachers, and children in jeopardy and thwarts economic recovery and job growth. Please call the Governor at (919) 814-2000 right now and tell him to veto the budget.
Sincerely,
Honorable Bob Etheridge