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Michael2012,
Your numbers are way off. Your 75-80% amount of every tax dollar goes to the school budget is wrong.
Here is a quick example:
The local school budget
In 2008 was $118.6 Million.
In 2009, $118.6,
In 2010 an increase to 123.97 (due to Federal Stimulus funds),
In 2011 back down to $117.77 and
In 2012, the budget was $117.77. This is a decrease from 2008 to 2012 with and extra amount in 2010 due to Federal Stimulus money.
Looking at the City budget during the same time:
2008: $67.6 Million
2009: $76.15 Million
2010: $78.53 Million
2011: $89.32 Million
2012: $96.39 Million.
So from 2008 to 2012 the schools went from $118.6 million to $117.7 Million and the city went from $67.6 Million to $96.39 Million. You can find all this information online at the Secretary of State website.
As you can see the schools have been fiscally conservative over the 4 year period from 2008-2012 and the city has increased spending by nearly a third during the same time frame.
The WISE union and teachers union were the FIRST to go to 20% co-pay leading the way for the city to make a similar move. I'm not bashing the police, fire or municipal side at all but the fact is, the schools have made cuts for each of the last few years. You don't see it in the beacon because the Beacon is so PRO-Mayor Avedisian that to make anyone look good is to make the Mayor look bad.
This is from August 2010:
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/west_bay/warwick-teacher-contract-controversy
The teacher's union fought this but then agreed to no increase in pay and volunteered to pay a 20% co-pay for one year saving Warwick Taxpayers nearly $3.5 Million. The teachers have been paying 20% for benefits for 2 years now. I am glad the city is finally making the same move. I really would be happy to sit down with you to show you all the things we were able to accomplish over the last 4 years.
Patrick
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