This proposal was announced January 5 at a news conference held by the governor at the mansion. While we will need to study the proposal in detail when it is submitted to the legislature, our first reaction is that it will be a tough sell to the state�s educators.

In the 2003-2004 school year, educators did not receive any salary increase at all and in the current school year, they will be receiving a 2% increase which was delayed until January of this year.  During this same two year period, the annual Consumer Price Index cost of living increased about 3% for each of those years. In addition, health care premiums, deductibles and out of pocket costs went up from 10-15% for educators for each of those years.

There is simply no question that educators across the state are losing significant financial ground.

 Schools and classrooms throughout the state have already absorbed about $500-700 million in cuts in the past two years. This translates into more children in individual classrooms, fewer support staff, fewer field trips, fewer resources for materials, media, etc. In fact, many teachers are spending more of their own funds to buy needed classroom materials.

Educators, realizing the economic downturn was real and serious, did not raise a hue and cry these past two years. They have been very patient. Recent reports of significant increases in state revenues � 6-7% according to news reports, provide some optimism that the financial package (salary and benefits) can be enhanced.

We remain hopeful that during the next three months of the legislative session, we can have further discussions with the governor and his staff and with legislators to see if we cannot increase this package.

A recent Atlanta Journal Constitution /WSB-TV 2 poll indicated that approximately 75% of the public believes that salary and benefits are either �important� or �very important� in recruiting and retaining quality educators

The public gets the connection, we hope legislators will also.