Time to Mobilize the Arizona Charter Movement - In the face of incredible state budget deficits, we have a tough legislative session ahead and want to start mobilizing charter supporters from across the state to be prepared to have their vocies heard by elected officials.  School leaders, we need to hear from your parents and teachers.  Please send out this message to your parents and teachers in order to amplify the voices of our 100,000+ charter students:

 

Connect with legislators... Make a brighter future for students!

 

Arizona is facing an epic budget crisis. All of Arizona's K-12 education recently sustained the largest education cut in the state's history.  More budget cuts are expected, and our students will be affected.  Our legislators need to hear from you so they know how their vote will impact you and your children.  Sometimes we only have hours notice of budget cuts so early sign-up is vitally important. To register for email updates directly affecting Arizona charter schools, please visit www.azcharters.org,
· Click the Take Action tab
· Click Political Action Center
· Register on the "Sign up" link and enter your home contact information.  You will be matched to your state legislators based on your zip code.
 
During the legislative session beginning in January of 2010, the Association will send you e-mails explaining the budget and bills and how you can advocate on behalf of charter students.  

 

In Other News...

 

Arizona's Political Leadership Showing Signs of Working to get Ahead of Massive Budget Deficit. 

The House has hired Elliott Polack & Company, an economic consulting firm, for an economic plan for Arizona's future.  The Speaker of the House will also lead a task force on K-12 school finance reform.  Since the Speaker almost never heads any committee or task force, this move shows his commitment to fixing Arizona's 29-year-old school finance formula that was last overhauled in 1980.  In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats are talking about a special session next week to address three items:  cut $250 million and send two questions to voters: temporarily increasing the sales tax by 1 cent and letting lawmakers tap the balance of an early child development fund.  It is still questionable whether a Special Session will move forward next week.