WHEREAS:
Nothing is more important to future living standards than education; and
WHEREAS:
Nine out of ten Americans believe that developing the best educational system in the world is very important in determining America's future strength; and
WHEREAS:
Americans have always given strong support to a federal role in education in several key areas. These areas include achieving equity in education by assisting the disenfranchised along with individuals with disabilities and providing student financial assistance to help make higher education affordable; and
WHEREAS:
Federal education programs make a big difference in the lives of students and their families and communities; and
WHEREAS:
Recent studies have shown that the value of a college degree continues to rise while failure to complete high school and seek post-secondary education is a sure passport to a life of low wages and limited opportunities; and
WHEREAS:
Federal funding of educationally innovative programs which include academic and career preparation, supportive services and retraining opportunities is essential to future economic growth; and
WHEREAS:
Education cuts can do much to threaten the development of future leaders and of a workforce prepared for the technologically demanding jobs of a future global economy.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME urges our national leaders to take a long view at federal funding for education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the short-term savings approach toward education spending be eliminated since these short-term cuts do little to reduce the federal deficit when education spending is only a small portion of the budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That in a global economy and in an information age, education must remain a top federal budget priority for the future well-being of all people; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:
That the federal programs designed to provide financial aid: e.g., Pell grants, subsidized loans and other grants for low-income students be funded at a level that would reach and serve all eligible students adequately.
SUBMITTED BY:
Casandra Cox, President
Josephine LeBeau, Executive Director and Delegate
AFSCME Council 1707
New York