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of the lack of teacher candidates entering into teacher preparation programs at universities.  We also talked about the coming retirements of the" baby boomers".  It was a simple resolution.  One that recognized this shortage and also paid tribute to our teachers and the great job they do in SD.  It also emphasized just how important our teachers are to the future of our great state.  I was shocked that it did not pass

in the Senate.  It failed by a 15-19 vote after having passed overwhelmingly in the House with a bipartisan vote.   We felt that the least we could do was recognize that we have an issue and then make a plan to deal with it.  The vote against HCR 1002 was a vote to continue to ignore a growing problem that will become a crisis if we don't do something soon.  One of our bills from that Summer Study is coming next week.  It will ask that we raise financial aid to education by 3.8% so we can return to the level we were funding education five years ago.  It is hard for me to accept that we cannot at least make that commitment.  Our local schools need help now!   
• The Joint Appropria

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