As you are aware, Florida’s education budget is at risk of being cut ANOTHER 13-16% when the legislature comes together in March.  ALL our local schools are in grave danger of losing teachers, the arts and music programs, sports programs, guidance counselors, AP classes, etc.  This is a very real possibility unless our legislators hear what we are saying. There are things that YOU can do to make an impact!!

1)  MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!  You letters to Gov. Crist, Senator Gardiner and Representative Precourt are critical at this time and in the upcoming months. Below is all the information YOU need to make your voices loud and clear to the FL legislator.  Form letters are available in Word format so that you can modify, print, and mail as you wish.  Also, the top heading on the PTA page has a link to the FLORIDA PTA page that will lead you through other various methods to contact state officials with our wants, needs, and ideas.  In addition, the bottom of THIS email contains sample form letters and talking points (if you prefer to write your own letter) that can be modified and sent to our state representatives.  PLEASE write or email today so that these leaders realize the importance of education to their constituents!  

 Letter to Senator Gardiner                 Letter to Representative Precourt               Letter to Governor Crist

Senator Andy Gardiner                                                Representative Stephen L. Precourt                            Governor Charlie Crist
308 Senate Office Building                                       1101 The Capitol                                                                  State of Florida   
404 South Monroe Street                                           402 South Monroe Street                                                     PL-05 The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100                            Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300                                     Tallahassee,  FL  32399-0001
Gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov            Stephen.Precourt@MyFloridahouse.gov     Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com

2)  ATTEND AN INFO MEETING OR RALLY 

3)    WEAR RED ON FRIDAY TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

No More Cuts to Education!

Talking Points for Letters to Legislators

·        We recognize that difficult choices must be made in order to balance our state’s budget, but we urge you to make funding our schools your top priority.

·        According to news reports, funding for Florida’s schools is currently below the level of funding that existed in 2004-2005.  Reportedly, this predicament stands in the way of our schools receiving federal stimulus money – one of only 3 states to be ineligible.  We urge all of our leaders to seek a waiver to this funding requirement in order to receive some portion of the federal stimulus money.

·        Revenue sources need to be identified and committed to education.  These sources must provide stable and adequate funding for education, which is required by Florida’s Constitution.  Some ideas include new or increased taxes, such as a higher tax on cigarettes, and the removal of some tax exemptions.

·        In the 15 years between 1989 and 2004, Florida went from a rank of 20^th in the nation to 42^nd in the nation in expenditures per student.  Some reports have shown Florida is currently ranked 49^th.  In 2004, Florida ranked 17% below the national average in per student spending.  This is unacceptable.

·        Schools have already drastically reduced special areas of education such as art and music.  Cuts have already reduced social services to those most in need.  Further drastic cuts cannot be tolerated without a grave negative impact on our students.

·        An emphasis on education should pervade among all legislation.  Our children deserve an education that will adequately prepare them to be tomorrow’s leaders and voters.

Senator Andy Gardiner

308 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

gardiner.andy.web@flsenate.gov

Rep. Stephen L. Precourt

1101 The Capitol

402 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

Steve.Precourt@myfloridahouse.gov

Governor Charlie Crist

Office of Governor, The Capitol

400 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

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Once again, there will be lots of great prizes for students who participate....remember, you only have to sell 3 subscriptions to go to the Mega Event Inflatable Party! Simply click on the link below to buy or renew your magazine subscriptions at up to 85% off newsstand prices . It's fast and your child will receive full credit for your selections. 40% of every sale goes to our school! It is a great way to support your student and our school. The PTSA funds numerous programs for Gotha Middle School. Please contact Fawn Lewis at fundraiser@gothaptsa.org with any questions or to volunteer to help. In addition, you can send emails to friends and family for their support - they'll also save off newsstand prices! Simply click here. Thank you for your support!