Dear Parents,
Over the last several years, state lawmakers have failed to reimburse our schools for the costs we incur in complying with state-imposed mandates and participating in state programs. This reimbursement is critical to controlling the cost of tuition. To make matters worse, state lawmakers imposed a new "payroll" tax to bail out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which serves the 12 counties in and around New York City.
As a result of these actions, state lawmakers and agency officials have cost religious and independent schools approximately $243 million - an amount equivalent to approximately $500.00 per student.
Although we are fighting hard for the money owed to our Catholic schools, we may be forced to pass this cost off to families. Therefore, please help us to avoid any such step and join in our fight for these funds.
Specifically, we urge you to:
1) Call each of the following elected officials by March 9, 2010
demanding 100% reimbursement to Catholic
Schools for Mandated Services and the MTA Payroll Tax.
Govenor David Paterson - 518-474-8390
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - 212-312-1420
Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson 718-649-7653
2) Join the Catholic Advocacy Netwrok by visiting
www.nyscatholic.org and clicking on "Join the Network,"
and respond to the automatic Action Alerts you receive.
Again, we are disappointed with our state lawmakers and understand if you
share our frustration. However, it is essential that we direct these feelings into action aimed at the officials in Albany responsible for the problem. I am confident we can prevail- but only if you join us in our fight.
Sincerely,
Rev. Antonio Almonte, pastor
Andrew G. Woods, principal
