Over the past two years, Idaho's elected officials have cut nearly $200 million from our state?s K-12 budget. For the current school year (2010-2011), the Idaho Legislature slashed nearly $500 for every student in Idaho. An IEA poll found that more than eight in 10 Idaho voters (81%) across party lines opposed these cuts, and that 77% have a favorable view of teachers
Idahoans clearly share our desire to vote for candidates, both Republicans and Democrats, who will advocate for public education and refuse to continue this disinvestment in Idaho's future. By standing together with other IEA members who donate to PACE (the IEA's political action committee), you will help ensure that the powerful, collective voice of Idaho educators will be heard by pro-education candidates who can make a difference in this fall?s elections and beyond.
A recent Census Bureau report showed Idaho next to dead-last in per-pupil investment for 2007-2008, even before these historic cuts! Together, we can turn this around and elect people who favor excellent pay, working conditions, and respect for Idaho educators. Whether you can afford $5, $50, or $500, you can make a difference by making a donation to PACE now. It's as easy as clicking the link below.
The IEA Political Action Committee for Education (IEA-PACE) collects voluntary contributions from Association members and uses those contributions for political purposes, including, but not limited to, making contributions to and expenditures on behalf of friends of education who are candidates for state or local office. Contributions to IEA-PACE are voluntary; making a contribution is neither a condition of employment nor membership in the Association, and members have the right to refuse to contribute without suffering any reprisal. Although IEA-PACE may request a specific annual contribution, this is only a suggestion. A member may contribute more or less than the suggested amount or may contribute nothing at all without it affecting his or her membership status, rights, or benefits in the IEA or its affiliates. Membership in IEA-PACE for the purpose of voting on the candidate recommendations is defined as an IEA member who has contributed annually to IEA-PACE a minimum of: certificated active member-$24; ESP active member- $12; IEA retired-$10; all other classes of IEA members -$5. Contributions to IEA-PACE are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
