SF 10 is the anti-stimulus

Senators,

I am writing to ask you to please vote against the ill-conceived "Shared Services" bill (SF 10) when it comes to the floor for a vote on Monday. This measure has already failed on the floor once, and the two amendments do nothing to improve its fundamental flaws.

This unwelcome mandate takes away all local controls over district spending, and forces the district to only use vendors who are on the MN Dept of Ed "approved" list - even if a local community business can provide the same services at a comparable cost. This bill includes almost everything a school may ever possibly need to purchase - school materials, supplies, tools, equipment, computers, communications devices & services, food service, and transportation.

I understand there are possible exemptions, but why should a school have to justify to MDE when they decide buy milk from a local dairy, or replace a leaky pipe at the local hardware store? Certainly in difficult economic times, we need to make every effort to cut costs, but what our schools need is more flexibility to find the best solutions, not less.

District 110 is part of a fantastic community. We appreciate and depend on the widespread, loyal support we enjoy from local businesses. To force the school district to "import" goods and services from elsewhere is unconscionable - these businesses are owned and operated by the very backbone of our community - the taxpayers, parents, and graduates of our public schools. The school district is a vital part of the local economy; this bill is just plain bad for business.

Please cast an emphatic "NO" to SF 10 when it comes the floor on Monday. If you would like to discuss this issue further, please do not hesitate to call.

Thank you for your attention.