To: Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6)
Rep. Roskam: Why did you vote to cut $300 billion from schools?
We're stunned and disappointed that you voted for a federal budget that would cut $300 billion in education funding over the next decade. During this August recess, we'd like you to explain your vote to your constituents.
Why is this important?
Rep. Peter Roskam voted for a federal budget that cuts $18 billion from early education programs -- taking 170,000 out of preschool classrooms -- $89 billion in K-12 programs and $205 billion in higher education initiatives over the next decade. That's $312 billion in total.
Every child deserves a fair shot in life and that starts with a quality education. Programs like Head Start and support for special education and disadvantaged students will see massive cuts. As a result, as many as 50 million children would see their education programs cut or eliminated. Meanwhile, as state and local budget cuts have already stretched schools thin, federal funding is often the only source of funding for early or special education.
We need to send Congressman Roskam a strong message so that he knows this budget doesn't represent out values. We have a chance to make an impact over the next few weeks as Rep. Roskam is on recess and making public appearances.
We want him to champion a budget that invests in children. If enough of us sign, Rep. Roskam will know exactly where his district stands.