EDUCATION FUNDING:

The state legislature has a primary role in funding our schools. Local school districts have seen a decrease in funding of almost 35 percent in the past 10 years. Last year’s $25 million increase was the first increase in a decade, and most of that increase -- $19 million -- was eliminated this year. Local school districts struggling with the decreased state funding have been forced to rely on local government support -- a difficult road in some cash-strapped rural districts.

While our current state legislators have hacked education funding statewide, legislative salaries and expenses have increased significantly. A legislator’s per diem has increased 110 percent, and legislators have made sure their own salaries have kept up with inflation. This has to be turned around.

Educating children is a team effort that includes all levels of government, from the school board to the city council to the state legislature. The state needs to have a leader who knows the importance of funding education as an investment in the future.

• People want increased education funding.
• Parents want more than a basic education. They want an education that will guarantee our children can compete in a rapidly changing and demanding workplace and post-secondary education setting.
• People want accountability from administrators, teachers, students and parents. We are all responsible for educating our young people.
• People want a fair deal and they want the state to meet its obligation to fund education. They want the state to stop passing the cost of education onto local governments and taxpayers.

• When elected I will propose a 5 to 7 percent increase across the board to education.
• I will work with other legislators to develop a long-term plan to pay for and forward fund education so school districts and towns can count on what they will get each year.
• I will seek public input. The solution to education funding has to involve a full spectrum of possible income sources, extensive public involvement and a commitment by our legislature to act responsibly. If the legislature continues to fail to act we will continue to see state responsibilities and their costs forced onto local governments. This will mean raising local property taxes or sales taxes to pay for state obligations. This has to change!

We have to honor our commitment to education. A responsible fiscal plan is key to honoring this commitment while providing opportunities for our children, our communities and our businesses to prosper. The outcome in this years state senate race will have a major impact on education. One side offers flat funding and continued deterioration of our education system. I offer a vision of what is possible by investing in education, our young people and our communities.

Education is a key component in all that we do. Working together, Southeast Alaskans can have sustained economic development, quality education, and leadership to guarantee a strong voice for Southeast Alaska and fairness from State government. The choice is yours on November 7th.

VOTE GREG MIDDAG FOR STATE SENATE.
RUNNING FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.