If You Don't Want My Kids To Join A Gang And Carjack You, Support Music Education Now!

I mean it!

If we all agree that "children are our future," why is ANYTHING being cut from school funding, ESPECIALLY in a down economy?

Who the hell thought THAT was a good idea?

In my own two kids' schools, so far, they've lost the last remaining theater teacher, and with him, the last tatters of the theatre program; band directors are being spread to thin over several schools instead of being dedicated to just one; The Endangered Instrument Program has run out of money - meaning many talented instructors are out of a job, and lots of kids are out of lessons; and Jazz Band has been demoted to Jazz Club. That means, the kids have to find their own way to school 2 hours before it starts with an over-worked instructor who can not even give them any class credit.

In my house, I'm still at work 2 hours before school, and that means, my kid can't go for the lack of a ride.

Yeah, I'm pissed.

But here's what we can do. Support MUSIC MATTERS. It's the Washington State Specialty License Plate project to fund music programs in public schools. And it's the brainchild of today's guests: Bob Tomberg, Reek Havok, Alan and Gigi White.

Here's the kicker: It costs the taxpayers NOTHING. It is VOLUNTARY.

GREAT NEWS is early January, Representative Simpson sponsored our bill and now 9 representatives are co-Sponsoring our bill HB2763.


BAD NEWS IS We are getting opposition from Representative Clibborn who might defeat the bill. Our organization, "Music Aid Northwest really needs your help. It will only take couple of minutes and the power of us all can help change the course of this and help create a self perpetuating funding for music education in Washington State Schools.


Here's what you can do;
1) EVERYONE CALL Rep. Clibborn (360) 786-7926 and ask her to support HB 2763 and help fund music education. You'll most likely get voice mail so leave your message there (Painless) Here's what you can say in your own words


(To Rep. Judy Clibborn) Please ask to support a hearing of HB 2763, a bill* sponsored by Reps. Simpson, Sells, Maxwell, Van De Wege, Miloscia, Kristiansen, Haigh, Kagi, and Chase. If approved, the bill would create a Music Matters special license plate to fund music programs in schools. Not only is HB 2763-Music Matters a part of the solution to the State's current budget crisis, but it will also be a direct advantage to Washington school children. Again, please ask Rep. Clibborn to allow a hearing on HB 2763.


2) EVERYONE CALL AND/OR Email your Local Representatives.
Legislative Hotline is (360) 562-6000.
Don't know who your Reps are? Visit http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx and follow the prompts.

For the record, Rep. Judy Clibburn has been invited to come on the show and explain why she is standing in the way of this bill, but has not bothered to respond as of this posting.

Here's where to go for more information and to sign the petition:

www.musicplates.org and www.musicaid.org .