GOP: USE STRIKE MONEY FOR ITEMS CUT FROM DOE BUDGET

Republican House Representatives said today that the so-called teacher's strike "windfall" money should be used to purchase textbooks and to finance charter schools. The "windfall" money accumulated because salaries, electricity and other items were not funded during the strike.

Assistant Minority Leader, Rep. Colleen Meyer said, "During the past session there was strong support on both sides of the aisle for bills authorizing the purchase of textbooks. Those measures did not pass and it seems only proper that these surplus funds should be used for purchasing textbooks and not be returned to the State general fund. Textbooks are such a basic need, it seems inconceivable anyone would attempt to justify diverting this money at the expense of our students"

During the 2001 legislative session, thirteen bills (7 Senate, 6 House) were introduced that included appropriations for textbooks for the classroom. Democrats originally sought funds for additional textbooks by raiding the state’s rainy day fund, a fund reserved specifically for “unforeseen emergencies.”  Since the raid on the rainy day fund failed, now is the time to use the “surplus” from the strike savings to fully fund textbooks in Hawaii’s schools.

Meyer also urged funding for charter schools, which Democrats proposed to starve to death by passing the "kill charter schools" bill (HB 946). Meyer noted that charter schools are public schools that dare to offer programs different from the regular comprehensive school, and deserve our full support.

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