Teachers, parents rally at Capitol for full funding

By Staff
Terry R. Cassreino / assistant managing editor
April 18, 2004
Just mention the possibility that public school teachers could lose their jobs because of insufficient state funding and an angry mob will quickly rush the state Capitol to rally support.
That happened last week when about 90 teachers and parents met at the Capitol to support public schools and urge state House and Senate members to fully fund public education.
The move came as some school districts began handing out pink sips to teachers, blaming their action on uncertain state funding. In Lauderdale County, 44 teachers were told to find another job next fall.
It also came at a time when lawmakers begin final work on the $10 billion-plus annual state budget which will be composed of more than 100 separate bills lawmakers are expected to debate May 2 and 3.
So, how effective are public rallies on education funding? In the past, they've thrown the spotlight on education when key legislative leaders would rather focus on other budget issues.
They've also succeeded in putting intense public pressure on rank-and-file House and Senate members to fund education lawmakers who, more than likely, have little to no input on the state budget.
In that respect, education supporters, both now and then, have misdirected their efforts. If you want to discuss budget issues with people who matter, don't spend time talking to rank-and-file lawmakers.
State spending is, by design, tightly controlled by four people: The lieutenant governor, who is president of the state Senate; the House speaker; and the House and Senate budget committee chairmen.
Because most people don't realize that and rarely talk with top decision-makers, rallies like the one last week serve one main purpose: They grab headlines and generate publicity.
And even though that draws attention to a particular issue, it won't necessarily persuade top legislative power-brokers to change their mind and alter funding plans.
Lengthy session
School superintendents said they issued pink slips to teachers because of uncertain funding and because April 15 was the deadline to notify educators who won't be hired next year.
That raises this question: Why does the first annual legislative session of a four-year term last 120 days and end in May when the other three annual sessions last 90 days and end in April before the April 15 deadline?
After all, House and Senate members do little if any work the first month of a four-month session. For much of the month they meet every weekday, collect $86 a day for expenses and then leave.
If lawmakers can finish business in 90 days for three straight years, why can't they do the same during the first year of a four-year term and, in the process, save the state money?
Countdown continues
Today marks 237 days since the city of Meridian borrowed $6 million at taxpayer expense to fund a comprehensive, citywide, street repair program and work still has not begun.
If you're concerned about the loan and are tired of driving on poor city streets, call Mayor John Robert Smith and tell him what you think. You can reach him at City Hall, 485-1927, or at home, 485-4983.