50th No More

According to the US Census Bureau, Florida ranks an embarrassing 50th place in the country in terms of spending on education (per $1000 income).  Our elected officials in Tallahassee have made choices which have put us in this position.

"50th No More" is a non-partisan, grassroots organization designed to fight back against budget cuts to our great public schools. We are Republicans and we are Democrats; we are families with school-age children and we are empty nesters; we are teachers and we are business leaders who all value the importance of education in our communities.

Florida's public schools have a huge impact on your real estate property values, your crime rates, and sense of community pride. Our children and our communities deserve better than 50th place. Stand up and let your voice be heard.

Is there a crisis in Florida's public schools? You bet there is. We are losing great teachers…. enrichment programs like art and music are dwindling.....school bus service has been cut drastically.....teachers are almost begging for basic supplies like paper. ...special programs for exceptional children are losing much-needed classroom aides......programs for high-achievers like AP and IB are faced with possible cuts....and lights are being turned off before the last children leave the building to save energy costs.

Our long-term goal is simple: 50th No More's purpose is to raise awareness about the fact that Florida deserves better than 50th place in spending on education. We will work to ensure that our state's Constitutional right to adequately-funded education is a priority in Tallahassee.

Few Floridians are aware that Article IX, Section 1, of the Constitution of the State of Florida clearly articulates the state's responsibility to our public education system. Article IX states, "The education of children is a fundamental value of the people of the State of Florida. It is, therefore, a paramount duty of the state to make adequate provisions for the education of all children residing within its borders."

The upcoming 2009 Legislative Session will be a tough one for Florida, and unprecedented budget cuts are expected. It is so important to ask your legislators to honor Article IX of the Florida Constitution, and protect our schools - and our children - from further cuts this fiscal year.