Good advice from North Carolina where an ALEC-type assault on public education is underway.
“Strong public schools are also the linchpin of prosperous economies. When companies look to invest in North Carolina, their first question is usually not about tax rates but about how good our schools and universities are and how ready our students and graduates are to take on the challenge of working in the 21st century economy.
“Better schools produce better-educated students who get better-paying jobs that allow people to make a better life for their families and pay taxes for more investments in our schools and roads and parks – there is that virtuous cycle again.
“This fall, we have elections for our state legislature. Most candidates will go to great lengths to tell you how they support public education. But we all need to look beyond the rhetoric to the decisions they made. Ask those running for office whether they supported budgets that froze teacher salaries and cut money for classroom assistants and textbooks and supplies. Ask whether they endorsed the nearly complete deregulation of charter schools and vouchers that give our tax dollars to private and religious schools that can discriminate against children. Ask them whether they have a long-term vision for protecting and enhancing public education in our state. Actions speak louder than words in supporting strong public schools for all children in North Carolina.
“We all have a stake in making North Carolina’s public schools the best they can be. These schools are essential to building healthy communities, a vibrant democracy and a prosperous economy.”
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/08/18/4080529_all-of-nc-has-a-stake-in-strong.html?sp=%2F99%2F108%2F374%2F&rh=1#storylink=cpy