The format this year is going to be a bit different – more of a round table than a formal question and answer. Here are the main topics that we will be covering:
· ECS funding
· Wintergreen – enrollment, sustainability
· Moratorium on Mandates – and other cost cutting measures that don’t cost anything
· Regionalization / SmartGrowth
· Funding from the Fed / Fate of NCLB
· Tax Reform / Property Tax
We’re in quite a mess, on many levels, but there will be no finger pointing tonight. We already know that we all need to “give a little” to meet the state’s budget requirements.
The main question is, “what is the best course of action that does the least harm, while putting us in a stronger financial position?”. We have invited our legislators to share:
· what theyknow of the current situation in Hartford
· what we should prepare for
· what they are suggesting AND,
· most importantly, what we can do as a town and organization to help find a solution.
BTW – The meeting at Wintergreen (6 PM), which Sen. Looney is attending prior to our meeting, has gotten a lot of press today. I urge you to alert anyone who thinks that their meeting is our meeting (6:30 PM), that our meeting is just as important to attend.
I look forward to seeing you this evening.
Marjorie
