These samples are just a starting point to get you thinking about what you could say. I encourage you to edit a sample letter to reflect your voice. State elected officials are thinking dollars, budgets and bills. We need them to see our children and the good things our schools are trying to do. If you are able, add personal stories about how dwindling resources are impacting your children's learning opportunities.
(Always include your name, address and phone number)
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Dear Representative/Senator,
I recognize that times are rough. My concern lies with my child's education. Next year, my [son] will be in [first] grade and it is [his] one chance to be a [first] grader. He won't get a do-over when economic times improve. If his class balloons to 40 students and all support is cut once again to our schools, how will [he] ever get the basic needs to succeed academically?
The lost opportunities for him and the other children in his classroom can never be recovered. Aren't we all depending on these very children to be our future workforce? If we expect to depend on them in the future, they must be able to depend on US now! Please, at a minimum, maintain funding for education. By doing that, Minnesota will to treat education as the priority that it is.
Please speak with your leadership and let them know how important our schools are to the people in your district.
Sincerely,
Name,
Address
Phone number
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Dear Representative/Senator,
We cannot afford cuts in funding for public education! For the past 17 years the basic formula has increased on average of ~1.5% while inflation has increased 3%. Therefore every year our schools received only half of what they needed just to keep up with inflation, let alone address the additional state and federal mandates.
We need a well-educated work force that will ensure our future prosperity. You must not jeopardize the future for our children and our state when dealing with the challenges of today.
Sincerely,
Name,
Address
Phone number
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Dear Representative/Senator,
I understand the size of the deficit is staggering. The only responsible solution will contain a thoughtful combination of budget cuts and revenue increases. People in the state of Minnesota understand this and we need our leaders to work together to find a solution that deals with the immediate problem while working towards a long-term vision of a stronger and more vibrant Minnesota. That vision must put the education of our children first. The governor and our legislators need to honor their constitutional obligation to provide for our schools. It's the right thing to do for our children and our state.
Sincerely,
Name,
Address
Phone number
Dear Representative/Senator,
I understand that these are extremely challenging times. Decisions will have to be made that will take a real toll on people's lives. I am asking you, as a leader in this state, to look past the present and lead us into a more promising future. A highly educated work force has always been Minnesota's greatest asset. Education is the engine that drives Minnesota's economic growth. Therefore, K-12 education must be the state's number one priority.
Please keep K-12 education harmless by, at a minimum, maintaining current funding.
Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
Name,
Address
Phone number
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Dear Representative/Senator,
Education is a priority for me and I am concerned about possible cuts to education funding. My children only have this one chance at their education and cannot have a redo when times are better. I believe these rough economic times will end and Minnesota needs to be in a position to prosper. Dismantling our public school system, in the long run, will cripple Minnesota's ability to recover.
I would ask that you make education a priority and speak to your leadership to do the same.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Name,
Address
Phone number
