LEV’s Frank Ordway debates Tim Eyman on I-1033
Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by Katrina.
The University District Chamber of Commerce invited Tim Eyman and the League of Education Voters today to present views on how Initiative 1033 would affect funding in our state.
Frank Ordway, LEV’s NW Regional Director, looked sharp and spoke eloquently. Tim was tieless, smirky, and handed out a dull flyer filled with typos…but I digress.
Although I saw a few heads nod in agreement at Tim’s opening remarks touting the benefits of I-1033, “The worst thing we can do in a recession is raise taxes…” it soon became clear that the room was full of discerning voters eager to understand the ramifications of the initiative on them and their communities.
Frank’s message was clear:
- It is a proven failure: a similar law in Colorado was repealed, with bi-partisan support, but only after it caused the state’s education funding to sink to 49th place.
- It’s design is faulty: it locks the state into a severely tightened budget and does not provide the necessary flexibility for potential problems in the future.
- Washington State has higher aspirations for our citizens and our future than to allow this initiative to pass.
Eyman recounted with two statements: 1) Initiatives aren’t forever and this one won’t be either, and 2) citizens are in a better position to make decisions about fiscal issues than our elected officials. Huh? I think he lost a number of people there.
There were a number of pointed questions from the audience that indicated their leaning and Eyman became defensive pretty quickly. His one comment that stuck with me: when asked why he himself doesn’t run for office (rather than lead an endless parade of ill-conceived initiatives), he said, “We don’t need another snake in the snakepit.”
It’s clear that our job as parents, educators and community members is to get the word out about I-1033 and it’s terrible impacts on children, families and education.
Make sure to tell your friends and family to vote NO on I-1033 and mail your ballot by November 3rd!
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Stand Up For Kids, Tell It Like It Is
Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by Frank.
We have a rare opportunity where you can truly make a difference.
You are invited to a special meeting with the Director of the Department of Early Learning, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Thrive by Five Washington.
It’s a chance to have your voice heard by the leaders who have the power to affect the cost and quality of preschool, childcare and early learning for all children in Washington State, including your children.
Early Learning Town Hall Meetings
Wednesday, October 28th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
The New School at South Shore
4800 S. Henderson Street, Seattle 98118 (MAP)
Download the Event Flyer (PDF)
Thursday, October 29th from 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Tacoma Community College
6501 S. 19th Street, Tacoma 98466 (MAP)
Download the Event Flyer (PDF)
Wednesday, November 4th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
St. Luke’s Community Education Center
3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham 98225 (MAP)
Download the Event Flyer (PDF)
Thursday, November 5th from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Kirkland Women’s Club
10052 NE 137th St Kirkland 98034 (MAP)
Download the Event Flyer (PDF)
RSVP to Frank Ordway at info@educationvoters.org.
WHO: Parents, providers and community members should come…and bring your kids! We’ll have cookies and activities for your kids. We’ll be handing out cards so you can write a comment or ask a question.
WHY? Bette Hyde, Director of the Department of Early Learning, and key decision-makers from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Thrive by Five Washington want to hear from YOU!
Good, bad, funny, or sad–our leaders want to hear about it. Your feedback will help shape early learning recommendations for the 2010 Legislative Session to be delivered to Governor Gregoire next month. We need you to ensure Washington’s Early Learning Plan will help your children succeed in school and life.
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Education news for October 20
Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by Katrina.
Horsey on I-1033: The anti-tax crusade comes to Washington State
Tech Levy: Olympia School Board talks technology
Take Two: Sequim school meeting set to prepare ‘for a levy’
Another State Challenge: Colorado Supreme Court gives go-ahead to schools funding trial
Teachers Talk: State of mind
Cases for College: Study finds growing work for school counselors
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You’re invited to an education town hall with Senate education leaders
Posted on 20. Oct, 2009 by Kelly.
What’s your child’s experience with the quality of education at his or her school? What’s happened as a result of state budget cuts? What are your thoughts about the education reforms passed this year?
Parents and community members are invited to give feedback on these questions and much more at a series of Education Reform Town Halls with two key education policymakers, State Senators Rosemary McAuliffe and Eric Oemig. Your ideas and personal stories will help shape policy and legislation during the 2010 legislative session.
Education Reform Town Hall Meetings
Wednesday, October 21st from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Northshore Junior High
12101 NE 160th Street, Bothell 98011 (MAP)
Thursday, October 22nd from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Federal Way Public Academy
34620 9th Ave S., Federal Way 98003 (MAP)
Wednesday, October 28th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Van Asselt Elementary Library
8311 Beacon Ave. South, Seattle 98118 (MAP)
If you can attend, please RSVP to Kelly at info@educationvoters.org.
Why should you attend?
Senators McAuliffe and Oemig are members of the Quality Education Council, the workgroup that will build an education system that gets every child Ready for Life.
They want to hear your feedback on the vision to implement education reforms that will strengthen Washington’s public schools. These changes will better prepare our students for college, job training and the workforce.
Who should come?
Parents and community members who have a stake in the future of Washington’s public schools should attend this forum.
This is a great opportunity to talk to two of our state’s education leaders before they begin crafting education policy during the 2010 legislative session.
