Dear Senator,
We are writing to thank you for standing up for students and demonstrating steadfast resolve against funding an education jobs bill through cuts to vital education reform initiatives like Race to the Top, the Teacher Incentive Fund, and the Charter Schools Program.
Some education interest groups have argued that President Obama’s initiatives to drive innovation in, and boost the effectiveness of, state and local education programs should be suspended until the economy improves. We strongly reject that argument.
In a time of resource scarcity, it is more important than ever to ensure that education spending at all levels of government is used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Providing students with a first-rate education must be just as integral a part of any plan for our nation’s economic recovery as shoring up state and local budgets.
We ask that you maintain your resolve in the coming weeks if and when the House supplemental appropriations bill containing the $800 million in cuts to education reform is brought up in the Senate, or if similar initiatives are advanced on other legislation. Your continued vision, resolve, and leadership are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Achievement First
Advance Illinois
Center for American Progress Action Fund
Civic Builders
ConnCAN
Democrats for Education Reform
Education Equality Project
Education Reform Now
The Education Trust
Foundation for Excellence in Education
Hope Street Group
Katherine B. Bradley
KIPP
The Mind Trust
National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
National Council of La Raza
The New Teacher Project
NewSchools Venture Fund
Rodel Foundation of Delaware
SMART Schools
Stand for Children
Letter to Chairman Daniel K. Inouye signed by 16 Senators including Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL): Letter to Inouye.7.20.10.pdf