Advocacy Alert from Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry

LMM Endorses Cleveland Metropolitan School District Levy and Cuyahoga County Public Library Levy

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry is proud to endorse two local levies that will help promote equitable educational outcomes and, over time, a stronger workforce in Northeast Ohio: Issue 68, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Levy, and Issue 70, the Cuyahoga County Public Library Levy.   LMM supports Issue 68 and Issue 70 because we know that education is key to a stronger community. Educational attainment correlates to higher earnings, higher rates of employment, and greater access to healthcare. Educational attainment also lowers the chance an individual may end up in the criminal justice system or need emergency shelter and highly educated individuals are more likely to live long and healthy lives. Finally, communities with higher rates of postsecondary attainment also have a more robust economy with lower-unemployment rates.

Issue 68: There is no asset more important than a community’s public schools. It is well known that Cleveland has seen decades of financial disinvestment and discriminatory policies that have led to a school district that is predominately low-income, and the majority of students, black and brown.   In recent years the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has made tremendous strides to increase student achievement and postsecondary degree attainment. Since the passage of the Cleveland Plan and more recently, the adoption of Say Yes to Education, CMSD has seen graduation rates above 80%, rising reading and math scores, teachers who have gone above and beyond during remote learning, and more scholarships for college or career training.   LMM’s Board of Director’s endorses Issue 68 for the aforementioned reasons, and because many of the students served in LMM’s Youth Program are enrolled at CMSD. This levy will renew the CMSD levy, and add 5 mills. This will amount to less than $7 a month for the median Cleveland home value; two-thirds of the cost are covered by businesses. Learn more about Issue 68 at https://www.keepclekidsmovingahead.com/.

Issue 70: Many of the adults and youth LMM serves do not have regular access to internet. This is problematic as an increasing number of responsibilities like paying bills, applying for jobs, and looking for apartments require internet access. Libraries are also an essential resource for children who may otherwise not have access to the technology needed to complete school work during the pandemic.   Serving 5.4 million visitors in 2018 at 27 branch locations and a MetroHealth access point, the Cuyahoga County Public Library serves children and adults of all ages, in 47 communities across the county. Issue 70 will allow the library to continue to provide virtual services, extended evening and weekend hours, and maintain a robust materials collection.   LMM’s Board of Director’s has endorsed Issue 70 because of the county-wide benefit libraries provide to our community. This 1-mill continuing levy will cost households an additional $3 per month (per $100,000 home value). Learn more about Issue 70 on the Cuyahoga County Public Library website.

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