WHEREAS:

The Reagan Administration's FY 1987 budget request of $15.2 billion is $3.2 billion or 18 percent below the FY 1986 level for education; and

WHEREAS:

The elementary and secondary education budget is cut by 10 percent by maintaining a freeze for some programs (Title I, Title II, Bilingual and Adult Education) and severely cutting or eliminating others; and

WHEREAS:

The proposed 50 percent reduction in vocational education will jeopardize providing employment skills to the 18 million students now being served; and

WHEREAS:

Deep cuts in programs for the handicapped and aid to federally impacted schools will hamper the ability of school districts to meet federally mandated responsibilities; and

WHEREAS:

The Administration proposes a 27 percent cut for student aid programs which will reduce or eliminate awards for over 3 million students; and

WHEREAS:

Proposed Administration funding cuts combined with the FY 1986 4.3 percent Gramm-Rudman-Hollings sequestration force a disproportionate share of the burden to fall on the education opportunity of our children; and

WHEREAS:

The Administration is again proposing the Title I remedial aid program be converted into a voucher program whereby poor parents could send their children to private schools-4his would further undermine public education.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That this 27th International Convention reaffirms AFSCME's support for increased federal funding for education so as to expand educational opportunities as a necessary investment for the strength and future of this nation.

SUBMITTED BY:

Bonnie Bell Clark, State Secretary and Delegate
OAPSE Local 4
Columbus, Ohio