I am writing to indicate my opposition to the schoolteacher strikes and demand for more money. The Senate budget invests in education at a level not seen for almost 30 years: an additional $1.3 billion to K-12 addressing the McCleary decision; funding for a 25 percent tuition reduction at state colleges and universities by 2017; and almost $100 million to expand high quality early learning opportunities. Combined this means that almost 50 percent of the budget would be devoted to education. Even the Seattle Times praised this budget as one worth celebrating.

Please do not raise taxes and use existing funds to meet education needs.

Shari Newton, Kirkland