Funding for Tennessee's public schools is on the line. Before the legislature took its break at the end of March, school funding increases promised by our governor were cut in half. Tennessee already ranks 45th in the nation for per-pupil funding, and further cuts will severely impair our schools from providing what our children need when they eventually return.

Educators, public school families, and community members are asking you for help to make sure we can maintain current funding levels. We must fund the needed extras to address temporary distance learning, mental health, community support and access to resources, safety protocols, COVID testing, and the cleanliness required during this crisis.

The best hope for funding Tennessee public schools is federal relief funds. Based on the latest Congressional Budget Office economic projections the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that states will need about $700 billion additional relief to close budget gaps. Failure to close those gaps will lead to cuts to public schools and other important services. Similarly, local governments, which provide between one-fourth and one-half of public school funding are being hard hit by the recession.

We urge Senators Lamar Alexander and Marsha Blackburn to protect our economy and to save Tennessee from cuts to public schools and other government services by supporting major relief legislation for state and local governments. We urge you to let them know as parents, teachers, and community members we believe we must maintain public school funding. Thank you.