MICHIGAN FEDERATION OF AFSA LOCALS-AFL-CIO

The approval for the ballot language on vouchers will place this issue squarely before the citizens of the State of Michigan. Members of our Federation (1,700 public school administrators) believe that the voters will maintain Michigan's constitutional prohibition of the use of public monies to fund private and parochial schools. Michigan has had a long and most appropriate constitutional ban on the use of state revenue in support of non-public schools.

It is clear to those of us who service K-12 public school students, parents and community, that this voucher initiative is another attempt to undermine Michigan's excellent public school system. Public schools educate the preponderance of school age youngsters throughout the state. Indeed, our public schools provide unfettered access and educational opportunity for all Michigan's children.

Let everyone concisely frame this ballot initiative. Vouchers, by design, will lessen the state's economic ability to maintain a viable K-12 public school system. The availability of adequate funding for all of Michigan's public schools must be our mission. Any constitutional change that reduces our capability to equitably fund Michigan's public schools is bad public policy.

The Michigan Federation of the American Federation of School Administrators will resolutely oppose this ballot referendum. We labor in Michigan's public schools because of our inherent belief in the necessity of public education.

Donald W. Boggs
President

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