August 20, 2009
By Representative Heidi Scheuermann
Last week’s Stowe Reporter editorial made a plea to all of us in Stowe, and throughout the region, to be heard in the latest development on education funding and property taxes.
The editorial was an important one and I write to reiterate the plea.
The Committee on the Financing and Effectiveness of the Vermont Education System is the latest in a long line of committees appointed to address the significant failures of our current education funding system. Arguably there has been little progress on the many efforts at change in the past, and the cynic in many of us might believe that this will be the case again.
That said, given our economic situation and what we currently face as a state, this could very well be the opportunity for which the people of Vermont have been hoping.
As indicated in the Reporter’s editorial, I am not a member of this committee – not, however, for a lack of desire. In fact, I offered my services to the Speaker to serve on this committee, as I thought in many ways I could bring a different perspective to the conversation and the real desire to craft a solution. Unfortunately, I was not chosen, but rest assured I will be involved.
The Committee can meet only up to six times, and they have already met once for organizational purposes. The second and third meetings are September 1 and September 25, respectively. And, the committee must report its findings and recommendations by December 15, 2009.
Again, I plan to be involved. In order for me to be an effective voice for you, however, I would like to build on the paper’s plea. I need to hear from you!
I am inviting everyone to send to me an explanation of what our current education funding system has meant to you. Whether you are a family trying to save money for college, a retiree struggling to keep your home and land, a business owner trying to make payroll and invest in your business, a teacher purchasing your own supplies for classes, a parent doing your best to provide educational opportunities for your child, or a second home owner feeling the significant burden of high property taxes here in Vermont, in addition to your expenses at home, I ask that you send to me a 100-200 word summary of what the current system with its statewide property tax has meant to you.
This committee must hear real stories from the people of Vermont. They must hear how our current funding system has, in fact, been detrimental to families, communities, economic growth, jobs, and even educational outcomes. Theoretical philosophies and number crunching only go so far. And, little is accomplished when special interests and various constituencies have their heels dug in. We all must participate and be heard in this process in order to reform our system to ensure high educational quality for all Vermont children, tax equity and fairness, and financial sustainability.
What It Has Meant To Me
(100-200 words)
Send to: Heidi@HeidiScheuermann.com
Or:
Heidi Scheuermann
P.O. Box 908
Stowe, Vermont 05672
Note: Most likely, pieces will be shared with Committee on the Financing and Effectiveness of the Vermont Education System
If you have and questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 253-2275 or heidi@heidischeuermann.com.