NSEA Re-Files Initiative Petition to Save Our Schools
After careful consideration and analysis, NSEA re-filed the Initiative Petition now entitled "Save Our Schools With Additional Funding for Salaries and Student Achievement". NSEA re-filed the petition because waiting is not an option. Nevada’s schools are in dire need of additional funding and we are the only ones willing to step up to the plate to save our schools.
NSEA carefully reviewed Judge Miriam Shearing’s decision on the legal challenge posed by the gaming industry surrounding our initiative petition designed to raise the gaming tax by three percent to save our schools with additional funding. You may recall, the courts became involved when the gaming industry challenged our petitionwith hopes ofhavingour petition thrown out. In turn, the section of the petition which dictatedhow the money would be spent was severed on the basis that the single subject rule was violated. In addition, the 200-word description was slightly re-written to make it consistent with the new changes mentioned above.
The decision was clear and easy—we must move forward with the fight to increase funding for K-12 public education.
“The need for increased funding for K-12 public education becomes more and more critical every day,” said NSEA President Lynn Warne. “Not only does Nevada rank at the bottom of the list in per pupil funding, but threats of budget cuts loom with a governor not willing to make any changes to preserve already-limited funds.”
We continue to emphasize in our petition that the new money will go to salaries for teachers and support professionals as well as student achievement.
Gaming consultants and obstructionists have tried to stall the process by challenging our initial measure—a move to turn their backs on Nevada’s students one more time. This will not stop us. We are determined to move forward to save our schools!
“We are confident we will get the necessary signatures to qualify the petition and get it on the ballot in 2008 and again in 2010,” concluded Warne. “The public has consistently supported our efforts and coupled with our membership, we are sure to be successful in the months ahead.”
Click here for a look at the new petition language.
