Urge Minnick to vote for education bill

When I was growing up, I remember my dad had a saying that he’d tell us over and over:  “A good education will make all the difference.” As a parent now, I find new meaning in that simple statement, especially as I hear about teachers being laid off, furlough days being mandated for some Idaho teachers, and cuts being made to programs like music, art, home economics and physical education.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says 300,000 educators could lose their jobs nationwide. Legislation in Congress known as the “Education Jobs Fund” would preserve hundreds of thousands of education jobs and help states cope with the worst financial crisis in generations. If this $23 billion bill passes, Idaho would receive $115 million, which could save nearly 2,000 K-12 education jobs.

It amazes me that despite this education emergency, some in Congress are unwilling to support this legislation to keep teachers in the classroom. When educators lose their job — kids lose, too. Our students should not be forced to pay the price for the nation’s economic woes.

If other Idaho parents are concerned like I am, call Rep. Walt Minnick at (202) 225-6611 and urge him to help pass the “Education Jobs Fund” because there is no better investment than our children.

STEPHANIE CHAMBERS

Sandpoint