Connecticut Federation of Catholic School Parents

Grassroots Advocacy Network News

April, 2009

Message from the Director

New Tax Credit Coalition Website – Take Action Today

Parents for Education Reform, a coalition of Mayors, private and religious schools and organizations, has created a new website that provides information on the Corporate Tax Credit proposal. The website is http://www.educationimprovement.org/ct/

Please visit the website to learn more about the proposal and find out who is supporting the Corporate Tax Credit Proposal.

We continue to make progress with our proposal. We are currently awaiting a fiscal note from the Connecticut General Assembly’s Office of Fiscal Analysis that we believe will show our proposal will save the state money. The savings will help the Governor and the legislature as they continue to try and find solutions to deal with the $6 to $8 billion dollar deficit our state is facing during the next two fiscal years.

Catholic School enrollment decreased by 3% or approximately 800 students during the current school year. I’m sure many of you are aware of the proposed closing or consolidation of three Catholic schools in the Norwich diocese. We must continue to end this tide and our proposal is a step this direction.

Federal Stimulus Package – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

The purpose of the ARRA is to stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other essential public services to ensure the long-term economic health of the nation.

The ARRA contains federal funds for education programs, some of which will benefit our Catholic schools. Catholic schools are eligible for funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I, which assists disadvantaged students, and Title II-D, which enhances school technology. This is a one time investment by the Federal Government and will allow more of our students to be served.

Despite the efforts of the private and religious school community to have funds directly allocated for our children and schools, private and religious schools are not eligible for funds from the State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF). The SFSF is a component of the stimulus package that was meant to help stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential public services.

I am encouraged by the fact that our schools will still benefit from the ARRA. For more information please visit the Council for American Private Education - http://www.capenet.org/new.html

Grassroots

I encourage all of you to inform your fellow parents, family and friends about the Federation’s Grassroots Advocacy Network. Please direct them to our website and click on Catholic School Parents Grassroots Advocacy Network at www.ctfcsp.org to join.

John L. Cattelan

Director

Connecticut News

Finch Comes Out in Support of School Vouchers

The Connecticut Post

April 8, 2009

http://www.connpost.com/localnews/ci_12098208

Milford Residents Vent on Budget Cuts

The Connecticut Post

April 1, 2009

http://www.connpost.com/milford/ci_12050229

Catholics Ask City Not to Cut Budget