In light of the recent communications and concern around government funding for education and the inevitable budget cuts, many of you have been asking how you can help advocate for the funding we need more than ever. Thank you for offering your support, among all the other things going on! The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) has already forecasted a $3.3 billion budget deficit across the state, meaning that that state funding for our schools could decline between 5-15%, or more. While we wait for the final state budget to be passed, sometime around June 15, here are a few things you can do right now to show your support of education funding in Colorado:
Reach Out to the Joint Budget Committee
Tell them why education funding is so important, and feel free to brag about the amazing things you are doing to help students and families! Here are four members to contact directly:
Quick Facts: Former School Board Member in Adams 14; Respected education voice on the JBC
Quick Facts: Represents SE Denver; Respected budget voice with knowledge of House and Senate and is pushing hard to limit K-12 cuts.
Quick Facts: Very sympathetic to education issues; frequently introduces bills on education topics and has spoken of the urgency of preserving ed programs amidst cuts.
Former educator; has a particular passion for SPED; has fought battles for education funding in the past.
Raise Your Voice Through a Survey
We know- you’ve potentially taken a lifetime’s worth of surveys in the past month. (Shameless plug right here to please take the End of Year Survey!) But here are some additional important (outside of DSST) surveys you can complete to have your voice heard on potential budget decisions for our state:
- Share your feedback with DPS on potential budget cuts
- Complete this survey from Student Voice Student Vote about student wellbeing
Thank you for joining us as we continue to advocate for the much needed funding that our students, schools, families, and community deserve. For up to date information and advocacy opportunities, check out the DSST advocacy website and subscribe to the Team DSST advocacy newsletter. If you have more specific questions, please reach out to Noah Stout, Manager of Advocacy & External Affairs.
