[Release] Conference Committee Fully Funds MAEP
From Nancy Loome of the Parents’ Campaign:
I have received word that the Conference Committee has filed its conference report on House Bill 238. The really great news is that our major initiative for this year - full funding of the MAEP - is accomplished! Thanks to your incredible efforts, our schools will finally be funded as is called for in Mississippi law! What a wonderful victory for our children! The even-better news is that the additional hold-harmless funding is also included, as is a $100,000 increase in funding for existing dyslexia programs. The bill is currently being printed, and we have not yet seen the official version. We will provide you the final “official” word once we have seen the details of the bill.
It is my understanding that the proposals for additional at-risk, early childhood education, dyslexia screening and mentoring programs went unfunded. The House and Senate did, however, agree to form a joint committee to study these very important issues. That, too, is a victory! I will keep you updated on those proceedings, and I hope that those of you who have experience with children facing these challenges will offer your insights as well. You have been successful in establishing the Parents’ Campaign network as a powerful force for good in Mississippi, and it is important that you continue to influence the debate surrounding public education.
As they become available, I will send you details about the budget bill and the funding it will provide your school district.
As we close out this legislative session and begin looking toward the next, I would like to hear from you. Understanding your experiences, your hopes and dreams for education in Mississippi, will enable us to chart a better course for future efforts.
We’ve come a long way in our inaugural year - you should be very proud of yourselves! We built a grassroots network of almost 30,000 people, we fought for and won full funding of the MAEP, and we laid the foundation for important work in the years ahead. As parents and educators who love our children and our state, we insisted that our elected officials do what is right for our kids and our future. They listened and responded. With your help we will continue to advance public education in Mississippi and set our state on a path to a brighter future.
This is a great day for education in Mississippi! You made it happen. Just think what the future might hold…
Posted by admin at 11:14 AM in MS Newspapers | Email this entry
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