Urgent Update!!! reprinted from November NYSCAME newsletter. GOVERNOR PATERSON DELIVERS $5.2 BILLION, TWO-YEAR DEFICIT REDUCTION PLAN Dear Colleagues, You are probably aware that Governor Patterson has called for drastic mid-year budget cuts that threaten to reduce student services and eliminate many school programs.  NYSCAME urges you to immediately write and call your state assembly and senate representitives. As a NYS tax-payer, let them know that you oppose mid-year cuts that will hurt our students.  Major Reduction areas include: School Aid: Fiscal Year 2008-09 Savings: $585 million, Fiscal Year 2009-10 Savings: $844 million. Mid-Year reduction in growth from 9% to 5%. Other Education-related Programs: 2008-09 Savings: $36 million, 2009-10 Savings: $16 million Higher Education: 2008-09 Savings: $115 million, 2009-10 Savings: $233 million. A $600 tuition increase. Reduced funding for grants awarded by the NYS Council on the Arts by $7 million It is imperitive that your message is received prior to Tuesday, November 18th as an important legislative meeting will be held on that day. Click on the links listed below to read more about this subject, to find your NYS legislators and to sign an electronic petition in protest of these cuts. Act now before it is too late. Sincerely, Joel Ratner NYSCAME President NYS Budget Cut Press Release Click to Send Your Message to Albany NYSUT Press Release Click to find your NYS Assembly Rep. Click to find your NYS Senator Previous News: 4% TAX CAP WARNING You are probably aware that the NYS Senate has already voted in approval of a 4% cap on future increases to educational spending in local school districts.  If passed by the Assembly and ratified by the Governor, this bill threatens to eliminate or drastically cut music programs and other services to our students. What has NYSCAME done? Personalized letters were sent to each member of the Assembly (approximately 150) stating our concerns with the cap.  Letters were also sent to Dean Skelos (Senate Majority Leader) and Governor Patterson What should you do? 1.  Learn more about this issue now.       Please open these two links to note the NY Times Editorial concern with this      bill and pertinent information offered by NYSUT.      Thanks to NYSCAME member Terry Nigrelli for providing these links.     NY TIMES Editorial     NYSUT CAP Information 2.  Send letters or e-mail messages of concern to your Assemlyman/women and      Governor Patterson.      The Times editorial offers cogent arguments that you can use in your      discussion.       Here is the Assembly link in case you want to check the address of your      local legislators.     ASSEMBLY MEMBERS     GOVERNOR PATTERSON

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