..........our economy in a bag!

Well, I knew it was coming. The North Carolina Legislature is in session and developing the state budget for 2009-10. And as expected, the public school system is bending over and preparing for major cuts. The cuts won't come in the way of unnecessary testing, funding for character education, or the program where we encourage kids not to smoke; but, many of the cuts are coming straight from the classroom, and on the backs of the teachers. At this point, if you are a Republican nut job and in favor of charter schools, I invite you to go drown yourself and put me out of my misery! Anyway, one proposal that will probably pass is the raising of class sizes. By raising class size by one student, the savings are in the millions. Why does that make such a difference? Because, by raising class size you can reduce the number of teachers needed! What a damn slap in the face! There is also a plan that is still in session that will raise class sizes by three students. That scenario would get the savings in to a surplus! Another option is to increase the employee contribution to the retirement system from 6% to 9%. My health care premiums are also going to rise. The reason is to compensate for the investment of the retirement system in our outstanding stock market - thanks Republicans! Yes, and don't even argue with me. "Invest in the stock market and make 'Murika stronger!" I think the post picture speaks a thousand words! Oh, it's easy to blame it all on Bush - he's gone now! With a total of eight years of very little, if any oversight; and deregulation of almost everything, it is the fault of the Bush mis-Administration. As a result of this mess, I'll bring home about $150 - $200 less next year to support my family; and everyone who has children in the public schools will be effected by the cuts. With all that being said, I'm proud to announce that the public schools will become even more accountable (through useless testing).