Editorial: "Sequester and School" - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: "Sequester and School"

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By Collin R. Gaston - bio | email

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

A recent Washington Post-Pew poll delivered findings that "just one in four Americans are following closely the debate over the $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts set to kick in on Friday."

Assuming this poll's finding are accurate, it would mean out of 3.7 million adult Alabamians, fewer than a million are actually paying attention to the impending sequester.  Particularly disturbing are the reduced revenue estimates related to Alabama educational funding and the potential for families with children in public schools to be blindsided by the cuts.

The White House released estimates over the weekend describing how Alabama will lose approximately $11 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 150 teacher and aide jobs at risk.

Additionally, about 21,000 fewer students would be served and approximately 40 fewer schools would receive funding. Lastly, Alabama will lose approximately $9 million in funds for about 110 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities.

If these estimates hold true, Alabama already on the precipice of a "scholastic cliff," would be pushed closer to the "edge" with Washington politics playing an unfortunate and unnecessary role.  Do we have your attention now?

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