In a time of tightened wallets, everyone must make sacrifices. There is one area that should remain somewhat protected from all these budget cutbacks, and this is the education of our children. Before Governor Jennifer Granholm announced her budget proposal on March 6, there was talk of large cuts in education, including cutting general school aid and K-12 categorical funding for low-income students. However, Governor Granholm listened to Michigan residents and decided to shield many of the education programs from the budget axe. Her budget provides funding for the School Readiness Program, a pre-school program for at-risk children, increases funding for the school breakfast program, maintains the $6,700 per pupil budget in all school districts, and provides for the Reading First Initiative. We therefore support Governor Granholm in her decision to protect the education of Michigan\'s children. This petition (along with a paper petition) will be mailed to Governor Granholm by June 1, 2003. If you support our efforts to preserve educational funding for Michigan\'s schools, please add your signature below.