The following message was emailed to HSTA members on Monday, April 13. If you are an active HSTA member and would like to subscribe to our Member Matters e-newsletter, click here.
Dear colleagues,
Over the past several weeks, I have been amazed and impressed by your actions during this coronavirus crisis. In a time of isolation and social distancing, you are finding innovative ways to provide educational opportunities to connect with our keiki and support our communities. It is truly inspiring.
Today, I urge you to go one step further.
COVID-19 is not only impacting our health, it is devastating our economy. Visitor spending makes up the majority of our state’s income. With tourism and non-essential businesses shut down, economists are predicting a massive plunge in tax revenue.
We do not know exactly how this crisis will impact education funding, but the reality is clear. There is no escaping this economic disaster. There will be cuts to the state budget, and we expect the Department of Education to be affected. We could face furloughs, hiring freezes, and/or salary changes.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association and our parent union, the National Education Association, are working to minimize this impact by urging Congress to ensure critical federal funding is reserved for education. States need this money to keep our public schools running.
But we can’t do it alone. Amplify our collective voice by sending your own message to lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Remind them how important it is to support our schools so our students don’t suffer. Warn them of the devastating impacts a lack of funding would have on our keiki, our community, and our future.
As this crisis evolves, we will continue to share the latest developments with you. Please check our website, social media, and Member Matters email newsletter for updates.
Thank you for your support, your perseverance, and your dedication. Together, we will get through this.
Mahalo,
Corey Rosenlee
HSTA President