Dear Senators Ericksen, Rivers, Rolfes, and Billig and Representatives Sullivan, Lytton, Magendanz and Smith,
As a mother of an 8th grader this year, I am happy that yesterday the Seattle educators ratified their new contract. However, I think it is important for you to understand that many people, including me, believe that the educators in Seattle voted yes for a contract that is less than they deserve and less than they desired. I also believe that the SEA union came to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. They demonstrated that by accepting a contract that moved from their original proposal of a 21% increase in wages over 3 years to just over 9%. Given that they have not had a raise in 6 years, and that their contribution to their benefits was increased, this is unacceptable to me. The teachers and parents know that the bigger problem is with how our state funds education.
I understand that you have been assigned the momentous task of bringing Washington in line with our state's constitutional commitment to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within our borders. Until the worst school in Washington is one that you would choose for your child or grandchild, our work is not done.
I want to encourage you not just to meet the goals set out by the Supreme Court in the McCleary decision but to work creatively to propose a permanent and substantive revenue stream for education in Washington. This is NOT a partisan issue. Every parent of a public school student across the state expects you to do your paramount duty. Every business in the state wants a well-educated workforce. Our regressive tax system needs to be addressed as a part of this task. I know the solution will likely involve paying more taxes as an individual and also forcing our large corporations to do their fair share. This is not easy but we elected you to make these difficult decisions, demonstrate to your constituents and businesses that this is important for them and for the future of our state. Our state is in contempt of court for 2 years now, and over 20 years late in providing adequate funding for education. The time is now.
I have copied my representatives in the 46th district, so they understand my feelings surrounding this issue as well.
Thank you for your consideration,
Betsy Payn
As a mother of an 8th grader this year, I am happy that yesterday the Seattle educators ratified their new contract. However, I think it is important for you to understand that many people, including me, believe that the educators in Seattle voted yes for a contract that is less than they deserve and less than they desired. I also believe that the SEA union came to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. They demonstrated that by accepting a contract that moved from their original proposal of a 21% increase in wages over 3 years to just over 9%. Given that they have not had a raise in 6 years, and that their contribution to their benefits was increased, this is unacceptable to me. The teachers and parents know that the bigger problem is with how our state funds education.
I understand that you have been assigned the momentous task of bringing Washington in line with our state's constitutional commitment to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within our borders. Until the worst school in Washington is one that you would choose for your child or grandchild, our work is not done.
I want to encourage you not just to meet the goals set out by the Supreme Court in the McCleary decision but to work creatively to propose a permanent and substantive revenue stream for education in Washington. This is NOT a partisan issue. Every parent of a public school student across the state expects you to do your paramount duty. Every business in the state wants a well-educated workforce. Our regressive tax system needs to be addressed as a part of this task. I know the solution will likely involve paying more taxes as an individual and also forcing our large corporations to do their fair share. This is not easy but we elected you to make these difficult decisions, demonstrate to your constituents and businesses that this is important for them and for the future of our state. Our state is in contempt of court for 2 years now, and over 20 years late in providing adequate funding for education. The time is now.
I have copied my representatives in the 46th district, so they understand my feelings surrounding this issue as well.
Thank you for your consideration,
Betsy Payn
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