Virtual Rally for Public Education

"Letter to Editor"

03/29/2005

A Message from the Alliance for Student Achievement -

Greetings Friend of Public Education:

Good news!  From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 31, friends of public
education from around the state are holding a Virtual Rally for Public
Education.

What’s a Virtual Rally?

A virtual rally is when parents/guardians, students, teachers, community
leaders, and other friends of public education make their voices heard at
the State Capitol by calling lawmakers on one day, at one time, with one
unified message. Our goal is to let legislators know that we didn’t go away
after the Statewide Rally for Public Schools in February.  We’re watching
them work.  And we will remember what they do for our public schools.

When is the Virtual Rally?
Thursday, March 31, 2005
7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Why a Virtual Rally Now?

Time is running out on the legislative session--and on our opportunity to
secure adequate funding for public schools. Lawmakers saw us at the Rally
for Public Education in February, now they must hear us Thursday, March
31--before important budget decisions are made.

How Can People Join the Virtual Rally?

It’s easy!  All people have to do is pick up the phone between 7 a.m. and 1
p.m. Thursday, March 31 and call the following legislators: 

Representative Fran Bradley (GOP)
(651) 296-9249

Representative Tina Liebling (DFL)
(651) 296-0573

Representative Andy Welti (DFL)
(651) 296-4378

Representative Randy Demmer (GOP)
(651) 296-9236 / (800) 387-6453

Senator Sheila M. Kiscaden (IP)
(651) 296-4848 / (800) 657-3770

Senator Dave Senjem (GOP)
(651) 296-3903 / (888) 509-1290

Governor Tim Pawlenty (GOP)
(651) 296-3391 / (800) 657-3717

Speaker of the House - Representative Steve Sviggum (GOP)
(651) 296-2273

President of the Senate - Senator Dean Johnson (DFL)
(651) 296-3826

What’s Our Message?

- We demand that lawmakers focus on our children’s future.
We’re tired of smoke & mirrors and tricks & gimmicks.  We are focused on our
children’s future and expect the same of our elected officials.  We are
watching and we will remember.

- We are tired of our schools losing ground.
Inadequate funding over the last five years is eroding the quality of our
schools.  If the legislature doesn’t invest in our schools now, we’ll lose
more teachers, class sizes will continue to rise and more opportunities for
students will be lost.

- We demand that lawmakers invest in public schools.
Our schools need an increase of $250 per student in each of the next two
years.

Need More Information?

- Visit http://www.AllianceForStudentAchievement.org or http://www.mnpta.org