Our schools can't afford a $44.2 million cut!

Tell your representative to vote NO on HB 122.

A bill that would cut $44.2 million from public education with just three months left of school was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. If the bill passes, it could mean drastic reductions, pay cuts, layoffs and early closure of school.

The bill, which came as a surprise to committee members this morning, could be heard as soon as Thursday, February 25.

HB 122 by Rep. Cameron Henry (R-Metairie) would cut $87 million from the budget, with about half of it coming from public K-12 education. Another $5 million would come from funding for state-approved private schools to help them comply with state regulations. Governor John Bel Edwards has made it clear that he does not want cuts to K-12 funding.

The $44.2 million is money that then-Representative John Bel Edwards convinced lawmakers to add to the education budget last year. It was intended to help make up for the fact that the MFP has not included the usual 2.75% growth factor during much of the Jindal administration.

Lawmakers can cut these funds with a simple majority vote, causing extreme harm to our schools. The money goes toward the $600 pay raise approved for teachers in 2013, aid to special needs students, and dual enrollment costs. Schools depend on the funding to complete the school year.

Please click on the link and tell your Representative to vote NO when HB 122 is heard on the floor of the House of Representatives. Tell them that a balanced approach that includes revenues is the best solution to our budget crisis. The bill could be heard on Thursday, so don’t delay!