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4ASHPEE SCHOOL COMMITTEE - REGULAR MEETING - APRIL. 2, x 99 7 PAGE 3 <br /> funding inequities among the cities and towns in Massachusetts. <br /> Mr. Butler said there is a lot ofdiscussion on .the Cape about the towns <br /> getting together to bring litigation to change the Education Reform Act <br /> formula. He s i b litigation may serve a useful purpose in coercing the <br /> Legislature to change the formula but chances of winning a lawsuit <br /> would be pretty long and would take many gears to reach litigation. <br /> As an alternative, Mr. Butler recommended the Cape towns try to <br /> reinstate inflation aid in the formula through legislation. He said the <br /> original language of the state formula accounted for inflation, but the <br /> state Senate removed that provision. <br /> Board ofSelectmen member Nancy Caffyn said that litigation would get <br /> the attention it deserves on Beacon Hill. Mrs. Caffyn stressed that the <br /> legislative lobbying has been done and introduced a bill last year that got <br /> two votes. She said, If it takes 15 gears in court, so be it." <br /> Mrs. Mills said lobbying, if clone en mass with other cape towns, could <br /> e effective. She suggested boarding buses and driving to the State <br /> Mouse to protest the formula. This activity was done a fear years ago for <br /> the "Buses to Boston" effort. She continued saying, "It's a giant <br /> undertaking but can work," Lots of people must attend to be effective. <br /> Mrs. Caffyn said if lobbying r litigation does not work, then the Cape <br /> should raise its own revenue to pay for educational costs. She suggested <br /> imposing a motel room tax or a golf greens fee to pay for school costs. <br /> Mr-. Paxton suggested instituting a toll booth charge at the bridges to <br /> raise money. <br /> Mrs. Lynch asked Mr. Butler if other communities have sought legal <br /> action against the state for the inequities in the formula for-rnula. Mr. <br /> Butler will investigate. <br /> Motion made by Mrs. Lynch, seconded by Mrs. Mills, to ask Mr. Butler <br /> draft a letter- to the Legislature threatening legal action against the state <br /> unless it increases educational aid to llashee. <br /> VOTE: Unanimous. <br />