12.12.12 Stop Sequestration! Save Special Education!

Next Wednesday, December 12, 2012 – CEC will hold a National Call-In Day – Join us and tell Congress we need sustainable balanced fiscal solutions.  Stop Sequestration! Save Special Education!

It seems as if not a day goes by without more and more news coverage of the so-called “fiscal cliff” negotiations and their progress – or lack thereof. If our nation goes “over the fiscal cliff”, many important programs will receive devastating cuts – the U.S. Department of Education’s budget will shrink by over $4billion dollars – IDEA alone will lose over $1billion dollars. Every school and family in our nation will feel the impact.

Want to know more about sequestration’s impact on special education? Read CEC's Q&A.

Education is NOT the only thing at stake. Sequestration will also impact many programs that children and their families rely on like housing and social services, medical research, public safety and law enforcement. To learn more about how reductions will impact these programs also read this FAQ.

Wonder how this might impact your state? Check out this report issued by Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) which details state by state impacts of the pending cuts. And for education specific information, check out this state-by-state report created by NEA. Together, these will give you an idea of what you can expect.

So join us! Mark the date on your calendar – 12.12.12. – and set aside some time next Wednesday, December 12, 2012, and call or email your members of Congress. Watch for emails next week (or check CEC’s website) we will have links to important information about your state, talking points and all the information you need to contact your members of Congress. Take 5 minutes and stand up for Special Education – Join Us! Together we can make a difference!

Comments

[Dr. Lorraine Giardino]

I am forwarding this to every educator I kow

[Nan Scott]

Keep our Country strong by supporting good public educaton, safe communities,healthcare and the arts. Every one will have a chance, and life will be worth living for everyone. Sustainable balanced fscal solutions and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide long-term solutions.

[Dennis Clarkson, Ph.D.]

I support Sequestration, we cannot continue to keep spending money we do not have, everyone, including education needs to cut back some to help balance the budget.

[Joy Brewster]

In addition to having a daughter with Down syndrome who receives services in the state of NY, I am also the president of an agency providing advocacy and consultation services to students with a myriad of needs. Please strongly consider the impact cutting services will have to students, families, and school districts. Thank you for your anticipated intervention to prevent cuts to any programs related to education, social services, supporting students, or ensuring their safety.