Hello FR's,

I hope you had a great spring break. Hard to believe we are in the last quarter of the year. Thank you so much for all you do. I know how busy you are and I appreciate your time and effort.

There are several things that need attention this week.

• Please remind your building members to vote.

The LEA ballot was sent through a secure link sent to each member.   If the member has not voted they received a reminder email today with their link. We will send another reminder email Wednesday and again Thursday. The voting closes at midnight on Friday the 23rd.

The NSEA ballot is on the NSEA website or after the LEA ballot is completed it takes the member to the NSEA link. 

• Please contact your senators!

URGENT PHONE CALL:  It's quick and easy and could save your school from further budget cuts!  The Legislature this week will debate the LB970 tax plan that will lead to huge cuts in school funding. Please use this toll-free number to contact your State Senator to voice your opposition to the tax plan:  1-800-361-2243. There is a short message and then you can dial your zip code to be connected to your Senator's office.  Please call NOW!

On Monday, March 12, the Revenue Committee voted 5-3 to advance a cheaper amendment of the Governor's tax plan.  The committee deleted the governor's proposal to reduce corporate income tax rates and the inheritance tax repeal; and made small changes to the tax rates for the first three individual tax rate tiers.

Initial versions of LB970 would have created a deficit of $660 million over the next three years. The lesser version is still quite costly: the deficit is estimated at $599 million under the version the committee favored. The individual income tax rate changes are estimated to save $14 annually for every $10,000 in adjusted gross income.  For an individual with $40,000 in adjusted gross income, that is a $56 annual tax savings.

Bottom-line: This is in reality a politically-driven deficit enhancement plan that will force further cuts in state aid to schools in the 2013 legislative session, and subsequent increases in property taxes.  This is simply irresponsible governance and management of Nebraskan's hard-earned tax dollars.

LB970's fate will be decided within the next week. NOW is the time to contact the Governor and your Senator. Tell them how LB970's cuts will affect your classroom; how next textbook purchases will go by the wayside; how class size will grow; how vital paraprofessional positions will be cut.