Public schools, community schools: the lifeblood of the small towns in St. Joseph and Cass Counties. Our local schools provide incredible value to our communities and we take pride in their accomplishments.  I will vote for the candidates who give us the best hope of strengthening our hometown schools, which in turn promote the quality of life in our rural communities.

“Re-inventing Michigan” during the last four years led to extreme reductions in school funding that hurt everyone! Specifically, PA 62 reduced funding by $470 per pupil in each of the public schools in the area, a loss of over $8.4 million to the economy of Cass and St. Joseph Counties in just the first year of the drastic reduction.

When Mark Schauer says that the Republican-controlled legislature and Governor Snyder cut public school funding, this $470 per-pupil reduction is what he is referring to. When Republicans counter that they have increased educational funding, they can point to additional funds for charter schools, which have no benefit locally, and a gradual, per-pupil increase in the three years since the big cut. However, it is still below the amount schools received in 2010.

Republican policies reward the wealthy and penalize the average earner. The Tea Party, in particular, promotes changes in government programs, laws, and tax structure that leave us all more vulnerable.  Aaron Miller, candidate for the 59th District state house seat, has stated that he agrees 99 percent with the Tea Party and has even declined membership in his Indiana teachers’ union. They are sincere, but they are wrong for Michigan families.

I urge you to vote for champions of public education including Mike Moroz, Bette Pierman, Paul Clements, Gary Peters, and Mark Schauer. They will vote to fund schools adequately, pump money back into our rural economy and give relief to hard-working families.

Cynicism could destroy us. Remember the teacher who taught you about the three branches of government, and how important it is for citizens to vote? Honor a teacher. Go vote!

 

Carol Higgins

Mendon