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             Melton: School Funding Reforms Long overdue 
   Education Committee Chair welcomes input on cost-saving measures

LANSING - State Representative and House Education Committee Chair Tim Melton(D-Pontiac) invites residents to share their ideas on how to help school districts cut costs in light of the projected $400 million shortfall for K-12 education funding. The Education Committee is beginning a series of hearings in Lansing on Thursday, Feb. 18, to discuss how to help schools get the most out of their funding.

 "With times as tough as they are, we need to take a hard look at how to make all aspects of government and state spending more efficient," Melton said. "We must address the financial imbalance in school funding so our educators aren't faced with a fiscal crisis year after year. We can reform school operations to get maximum efficiencies before any discussion of tax increases. I want input from the state's residents, businesses, and educators on how we can streamline school operations and get the most out of every tax dollar."

 The House Education Committee will commence hearings on Thursday, Feb. 18, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 519 of the Anderson House Building at 124 N. Capitol in Lansing. For those unable to attend the committee hearings, Melton has launched an online survey on his Web site, at http://029.housedems.com/reform-school-funding/, where individuals can share their ideas for helping schools consolidate costs. 

 "Even though money is tight, we owe it to our children to provide them with the best possible education," Melton said. "It is our responsibility to examine any possible savings and cost efficiency measures to keep more dollars in the classroom.  We must work together as a state and implement cost-saving measures that do not impact the quality of education our students receive."

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