Dear Friends of Fiscal Responsibility,

New Yorkers for Growth salutes the important work of Best4NY, a group of school board members and concerned citizens trying to draw attention to the disaster mounting for New York State schools. We ask that you consider signing an important petition the group is circulating.

At issue is the so-called Triborough Amendment and other unfunded mandates from Albany that are crushing local school districts with costs they cannot bear any longer. The effect of Triborough is fewer dollars for our classrooms and the elimination of important educational programs.

Facts:

• The Triborough Amendment requires that the perks of old public sector contracts continue until new ones are signed, which means all step increases to salary and perks like FREE health care, i.e. no co-pays and no premiums, continue whether or not schools can afford them.
• Pay hikes required by the Triborough Amendment cost the State $140 million a year, despite a "freeze" on base salaries.
• The Triborough Amendment guarantees pay increases for teachers that add almost $300 million a year to local school budgets across the State.

Best4NY is trying to do something to save our schools. Please sign its petition today. It calls for mandate relief for our schools and it has been signed by the New York State School Boards Association, representing some 700 school districts and 5,000 school board members. You can help their cause!

Please FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE MANDATE RELIEF PETITION.

Here is their website: http://best4ny.org/

Let's help them out by signing. And please ask your family and friends to do the same!

And if you could help our efforts, please do by clicking here.

Many thanks!

Sincerely,
New Yorkers for Growth