Walt helps Idaho schools

Idaho educators and parents are celebrating Rep. Minnick's vote in the
House tonight to ensure that school districts this fall have
additional funds to maintain manageable class sizes; prevent districts
from adopting more four day school weeks; and stave off the
elimination of popular arts, music and sports programs;

School districts in Minnick's district (ID-CD1) could tap into a total
of $25.9m.

Below you'll find a statement from Sherri Wood on behalf of Idaho educators.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT: Cynthia Kain
July 1, 1010            (202) 213-5971 .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Idaho Education Association president praises Minnick for speaking up
for education and students
Timely passage of emergency funding is a step in the right direction
for public schools this fall

NEW ORLEANS- U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick was among those voting "yes" today
as Congress approved legislation containing emergency funds to help
states cope with the Great Recession and prevent massive layoffs of
educators and cuts to programs. The spending measure, which includes
billions in aid to public schools and other critical domestic
priorities, now moves to the Senate. According to a National Education
Association analysis, the funds will save the jobs of approximately
138,000 educators.

"Rep. Minnick stood up for kids today by pushing for emergency funding
to save thousands of educator jobs," said Idaho Education Association
President Sherri Wood. "Because of his support and the successful
House vote, students will be able to attend classes that aren't
bursting at the seams and receive the individualized attention they
need."

The House's action comes at a critical time. School budgets across the
country have already been cut to the bone, forcing widespread layoffs
of teachers and education support professionals. Many Idaho districts
have ordered teachers to take furlough days; some are not replacing
teachers as they retire, which will create much larger class sizes.
Other districts are moving to four-day school weeks, gutting critical
services and programs for students, or even closing schools entirely.
The layoffs and cuts are coming at the same time schools face growing
demands for better academic outcomes.

NEA launched a national campaign called Speak Up for Education & Kids
to mobilize educators and others concerned about the budget crisis
facing states and to raise awareness about the consequences of
inaction. NEA will continue to put pressure on policymakers until they
put students before politics.

"We applaud the House of Representatives for speaking up for public
education and students. We are especially grateful to Rep. David Obey
(D-WI) and the House leadership for working so hard to address the
immediate education and jobs crisis," NEA President Dennis Van Roekel
said today.

"Similarly, we appreciate the unbending support of President Obama and
his administration, as well as governors across the country, to ensure
financial relief for struggling states and keep our nation on the road
to economic recovery," Van Roekel added.

"Today, as a direct result of educators' voices and efforts, we are a
step closer to making sure children do not have to bear the brunt of
our nation's economic woes," he said. "Most importantly, however, the
much-needed funds will keep class sizes from ballooning and prevent
many harmful cuts to critical services and programs for students. We
urge the Senate to act swiftly to pass the emergency funding bill and
stave off more economic damage to our schools. We need to keeping
schools open, educators working and students learning."


For more information on Speak Up for Education & Kids, visit
www.facebook.com/speakupforkids
For more information on saving educators' jobs, visit
www.educationvotes.nea.org/
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