Education tied to economy

The news that over a hundred Spokane teachers are being laid off is bad news for the teachers, students and our economy. (“103 Spokane teachers notified of layoffs,” May 12)

Now more than ever we need to strengthen our economy – so there’s enough funding to keep our teachers teaching and our kids learning. Local businesses and jobs help keep monies here in Spokane and help strengthen and stabilize our economic sector.

In addition, we need to provide our young people with not only the education that they need to succeed, but also training and jobs so they can find work here after they finish high school.

I’m supporting the Community Bill of Rights because it recognizes that in order for us to have a sustainable economy, we need to take steps to promote local businesses, create new jobs and provide young people with apprenticeship opportunities.

We can’t depend upon possible federal stimulus dollars to bail us out, as the article suggests. We need to take steps here, today, that help us in the short and the long term.

I encourage readers to sign the petition to put the Community Bill of Rights on the ballot in November.

Shane Russell

Spokane