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WHAT IS PROPOSAL 5? |
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Proposal 5 is an education ballot initiative that requires the State of Michigan to provide annual funding increases at the rate of inflation (based on the previous year's Consumer Price Index) to local public K-12 schools, intermediate school districts, community colleges and higher education institutions.
It also requires the State to fund any deficiencies in the School Aid Fund from the General Fund, allow base funding for school districts with declining enrollment to use a three-year average; cap Retirement Fund contribution for public schools, community college and universities and require the State to pay remaining portion.
Proposal 5 reduces funding gap between school districts receiving basic per-pupil foundation allowance and those receiving maximum foundation allowance.
Proposal 5 will be on the November 7, 2006, General Election ballot. The days of walking out of high school and getting a good job in Michigan's auto plants are over. We must invest in public education now to secure a brighter economic future for Michigan. It's good public policy.
Increased funding will maintain an experienced, tested teacher in every classroom.
Our state's level of investment in public education - kindergarten through graduate school - is key to Michigan's future economic growth, prosperity, and ultimate success.
All required accountability measures, such as the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Michigan's Education YES! and high-stakes tests, like the Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP), are already laws in place to ensure quality public schools. Additionally, Michigan passed a statewide, mandated rigorous academic curriculum which must be implemented in the next few years which will require much more from our high schools and students alike. We lack legislative accountability to adequately fund education - at all levels.
A highly educated workforce will attract the future knowledge-driven job providers who will bring high paying jobs to Michigan. Google recently announced plans to expand business in Ann Arbor and hire 1,000 employees with an annual salary of $48,000.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSAL 5?
Information about Proposal 5 can be found on the K-16 Coalition web site at www.michigank16.org
