Kentucky Education Association supports a cigarette tax increase, a reform of tax code and the Let Kentuckians Vote initiative on expanded gaming.
KEA President Sharron Oxendine announced the endorsements during a press conference Friday at Second Street School.
Oxendine said in a press release the cigarette tax would provide Kentucky with more than $300 million annually. Gov. Steve Beshear announced Thursday he favors a 70-cent increase, bringing the state tax to $1 a pack.
"We're going to be pushing really hard to make sure those increases go through," Oxendine said at the conference. "We are so desperate for school funding. We'll take anything at this time."
Frankfort Independent Schools Superintendent Dianne Cobb agreed.
"I'm for anything that's going to help us avoid cuts in education," Cobb said. "We can't keep enjoying benefits unless we pay for them."
Franklin County Schools Superintendent Harrie Lynne Buecker said she would support the tax as well if it helps funding for schools.
"We know the budget for schools is dismal. If the tax will help get the funds we need, I support that," said Buecker.
Frankfort High/Middle School Principal Rita Rector said the cigarette tax increase is preferable to budget cuts.
"I would much rather see something like (the cigarette tax) bring revenue into the state and go into education to help us," Rector said.
Oxendine said KEA does not support or oppose the extended gaming amendment; it just wants the issue on the ballot.
"We want Kentuckians to vote on it," Oxendine said. "If it's voted down, let's look at some other alternatives. If it's voted up, let's see how it can help fund education."
Buecker agreed the people of Kentucky should get the chance to vote on gaming.
"I think it's nice to give everyone in the commonwealth a voice on that," Buecker said.
Oxendine toured Kentucky last week, visiting schools as part of the Read Across America program, a program that encourages literacy.
Oxendine became emotional as she discussed experiences from her tour of the state.
"This has been a hard week," she said.
Oxendine said she was at Second Street School Monday and overheard a teacher ask a colleague how the roof held up after a hard rain the previous night.
"It struck me, that shouldn't be something we have to worry about," Oxendine said as she fought back tears.
She also shared her experience at Fourth Street School in Newport, where almost 90 percent of students are enrolled in the assisted lunch program. KEA donated books to every child enrolled in the school.
Fourth Street Principal Douglas Alpiger said the donation had a big impact on the students.
"Mouths open, eyes wide," was how Alpiger described the students. "It's a joy to see kids with (books) in their hands."
"Anything we can do to make the situation better for them, students, teachers, staff, principals, that's what it's all about," Oxendine said.