Colleagues:

The time is now.

Today, a proposed state budget for FY 2008 was unveiled, calling for $568 million in additional money for education.

Some of the details of this proposed budget:

* $308.8 million to increase the foundation level by $400 to $5,734.

* $185.5 million to fully fund mandated categoricals.

* A minimal (2%) increase for Illinois’ public colleges and universities.

* $10 million for a block grant program for private schools.

After analyzing this proposal, IEA GR and governance have determined that the organization must oppose this “no-solution” budget.

It is imperative that you and all your colleagues, friends and neighbors immediately contact every member of the Illinois House and Senate and urge them to reject this budget plan.

Talking points

* This budget uses one-time money to fund education. Education needs and deserves a permanenent, predictable and sustainable revenue stream. No more year-to-year Band-aid budgets!

* This budget does little to address the inequities in the Illinois school funding system.

* This budget diverts money from public schools to private schools. Public dollars are for public schools.

If this budget can be stopped, we will be well-positioned, in the days and, if necessary, weeks to come, to push for a modest increase in the state income tax to fund education.

Colleagues, this is a crucial time. Contact your Illinois State Representative and Senator immediately.

Tell your legislator, whether you are represented by a Republican or a Democrat, that you expect them to vote “NO” on this “no solution” budget and that you want them to support an income tax increase for education.