Maybe it's not too late?
The GEM folks are calling on Governor Quinn to veto the charter school expansion legislation, SB612, which was "introduced the day before the final day of the legislative session, Saturday, May 30, and passed the following day, Sunday, May 31, without the knowledge of or input from any affected groups."
They're protesting today. Details below.
For immediate release
CONTACT: Julie Woestehoff, PURE Executive Director
Phone: 773-715-3989 (cell) 312-491-9101 (wk)
GEM schools coalition to ask Gov. Quinn
for veto on last-minute anti-public school bill
WHAT: Coalition asks governor to veto SB 612, a bill that expanded the charter school cap and the local school council (LSC) exemption, leaving more Chicago Public Schools (CPS) without democratic governance.
WHO: The Grassroots Education Movement (GEM) is made up of teacher, community and school reform groups. GEM has carried out a number of recent actions in support of neighborhood schools and their parents, teachers and staff affected by school closures and turnarounds under Renaissance 2010.
WHEN: Thursday, June 11, 2009
10:30 am
WHERE: James R. Thompson Center Plaza (State of Illinois Building)
WHY: GEM groups were shocked to learn that legislative language eliminating LSCs from turnaround schools was introduced the day before the final day of the legislative session, Saturday, May 30, and passed the following day, Sunday, May 31, without the knowledge of or input from any affected groups.
Governor Pat Quinn is a well-respected reformer who has publicly supported more transparency in government. We are asking him to veto this bill which so blatantly used the most cynical, secretive legislative processes to bypass public debate and scrutiny of matters that should properly be considered in the full light of day.
Participating groups will include Blocks Together, Caucus of Rank and File Educators, Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization, Parents United for Responsible Education, and Pilsen Alliance.
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Anonymous
1 hour, 37 minutes ago