COUNTY & STATE ADVOCACY ACTIONS CRITICAL TO SCHOOLS

 

YOUR advocacy actions are critical now more than ever with the County Executive's recent budget proposal calling for a $16.3 million cut in FCPS funding and an advertised tax rate below equalization.

 

This is devastating news for our schools especially combined with Governor McDonnell's proposed $730 million cut to K-12 state education funding which also will diminish the LCI funding for which many successfully advocated.

 

Do not assume that everyone else is working to save our schools. It is critical that EVERY concerned Fairfax County resident take action before March 9 to oppose these newly-proposed drastic cuts.

 

(Note: The $16.3 million proposed cut plus the $81.9 million school board increase request = $98.2 million shortfall for FCPS to save key programs - prior to state funding considerations.)

 

YOUR PRIORITY LIST: Three Actions in Three Days

 

1. Contact your county supervisor and Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Fairfax County officials will set the maximum advertised property tax rate* on March 9. Once set, this cannot be increased. Many school programs and county services could be cut** if the rate does not account for major uncertainties in state funding which is known too late on March 13. 

Keep your message short, simple and courteous.

 

Your message: Safeguard the county and its ability to preserve our world-class schools and essential services. Generate enough revenue by ensuring maximum flexibility in the advertised tax rate – set it at $1.12 or higher (8-cent increase or higher) and approve the vehicle registration license fee to account for critical uncertainties in state funding. (Check out talking points and sample letters on these websites for support arguments. www.fairfaxflags.org or www.faceadvocacy.org )

Be sure to thank officials for their service and time on this critical issue to our county. 

 

2.  Contact Governor Bob McDonnell & your state-elected officials. 

McDonnell is proposing $730 million in cuts to K-12 state education funding. The state also is considering giving localities meals tax authority which would help generate and diversify revenue streams. Address these issues separately in your advocacy communications before March 13 when the state session ends.  Keep your messages short, simple and courteous.

 

Your first message: Oppose proposed cuts to K-12 education to ensure the opportunity of a world-class education so Virginians

will be competitive in this global economy. (Check out talking points for support arguments.)  In a separate message: Support decision for localities to authorizea meals tax, if they choose, to generate and diversify their revenue stream especially during difficult budget times. (Check out talking points for support arguments.)

Be sure to thank officials for their service and time on this critical issue to our state.

 

3. Sign up to speak at County Board of Supervisors Public Hearings April 6, 7 & 8 (April 6 is already closed.)

 

Numbers matter and we need speakers in support of education funding to be in full force at the hearings. Speaking slots are limited so sign up online or by calling 703-324-3151 today!

 

Also, be sure to share this email with every concerned Fairfax County resident you know and mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Attend upcoming meetings with county supervisors to voice concerns.

April 6: Unified FCPS rally to preserve world-class schools starting at 4:30 p.m. at the County Government Center. This is the first day of public hearings - we need a MAJOR turnout! More details to come.

 

For more information on budget developments, advocacy actions, and upcoming rallies and events, see our recent joint advocacy presentation or visit http://www.faceadvocacy.org

 

*Note: Tax-rate equalization is a 6-cent increase now with rises in property values, but equalization is not expected to be enough to fund the FCPS FY 2011 Advertised Budget requesting an $81.9 million increase to save key programs and positions. An 8-cent tax increase to the average homeowner costs $81.18 per year which breaks down to less than two coffeehouse drinks a month.

 

** Note: FCPS cut $95 million in FY 2009; $171 million in FY 2010; and $84 million in the advertised FY 2011 budget while enrollments continue to increase. To increase the effectiveness of advocacy efforts for our schools and programs, Fairfax FLAGS has joined forces with FACE (Band & Strings), CPES Parents and Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) to preserve our world-class schools and quality of life in Fairfax County.