I received this email from Senator Gilda Jacobs this morning in response to my email yesterday! Great news!
Thank you for contacting me regarding proposed retirement bills before the Michigan Legislature. I appreciate you taking the time to write and express your concerns regarding this legislation and the opportunity to respond.
It was highly anticipated that Senate Bills 1226 and 1227 would be voted on in the Senate on Thursday, March 25, 2010. However, the bills were not taken up as the Republican Leadership was unable to muster the votes to pass the bills. My Senate Democratic Colleagues and I see the proposals as unfairly singling out public employees and want a comprehensive solution to the budget problems where everybody shares the pain. I understand that the House of Representatives will be working on the bills over the next couple weeks, and the proposals may come back before the Senate after the spring break.
Again, thank you for contacting me on this important issue. I hope this information is helpful and that you will feel free to write me again on issues and legislation of concern to you.
Sincerely,
GILDA Z. JACOBS
State Senator
14th District
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
THURSDAY REPORT From our MEA Lobbyist
Dave Stafford, our MEA Lobbyist has contacted Local Leaders with the following message.
PLEASE NOTE: Nancy Cassis, our area senator, seems to be a possible NO vote on the Retirement Bill. Write Senator Cassis and tell her vote NO on SB1227 that will unfairly tax Michigan's teachers. (address and phone number is below)
From Dave Stafford:
"THIS BILL IS ON A FAST TRACK AND WE NEED ACTION NOW. Yesterday, the Appropriations Committee moved SB 1227 to the floor of the full Senate in anticipation of a quick vote to pass it today. In particular, several senators have indicated that they have concerns about the bill and may vote NO. If any of the following senators represent your area, please make an extra effort to contact them:"
Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
E-mail: senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
PLEASE NOTE: Nancy Cassis, our area senator, seems to be a possible NO vote on the Retirement Bill. Write Senator Cassis and tell her vote NO on SB1227 that will unfairly tax Michigan's teachers. (address and phone number is below)
From Dave Stafford:
"THIS BILL IS ON A FAST TRACK AND WE NEED ACTION NOW. Yesterday, the Appropriations Committee moved SB 1227 to the floor of the full Senate in anticipation of a quick vote to pass it today. In particular, several senators have indicated that they have concerns about the bill and may vote NO. If any of the following senators represent your area, please make an extra effort to contact them:"
Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
E-mail: senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Write or Call Your Michigan Senator TODAY!!!
REPORT FROM OUR MEA LOBBYIST, DAVE STAFFORD! There are TWO bills that threaten your pay and benefits!!!!
FIRST BILL TO CALL ABOUT!!!!
PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATOR NOW. URGE HER/HIM TO VOTE NO ON SB 1227 IF IT COMES BEFORE THE SENATE. (Addresses and phone numbers are at the bottom of this post).
THIS BILL IS ON A FAST TRACK AND WE NEED ACTION NOW. Yesterday, the Retirement sub-committee of the Senate Appropriations Committee moved the school employee retirement bill, SB 1227 to the full Appropriations Committee with some changes. We expect the full Appropriations Committee to move it to the floor of the Senate for fast action either today or tomorrow.
As it now stands, the bill provides:
1. The increased pension multiplier for folks who retire between July 1 and September 1, 2010 IS ELIMINATED AS IN GONE, KAPUT, NULLIFIED. In this version of the Senate bill, there is not a sweetener to get people to retire early.
2. The punitive elimination of dental and vision coverage for those who retire after September 1, 2010 is still in the bill.
3. The outrageous increase of 3% of salary to pay for the mis-management and under funding of the pension by the State is still in the bill.
4. The cap of 30 years on earned service credit is still in the bill.
5. The “hybrid” pension plan for new hires is still in the bill although the Senate version changes the minimum retirement age in the plan to 60 (the Governor proposed the age at 65).
The State Budget Office estimates that this bill will cost school employees/retirees $3.52 BILLION over the next 10 years or an average of $352.5 million per year. The breakdown on these new charges to school employees is:
1. The retirement contribution of 3% of pay (really a new payroll tax) will be an average of $242.8 Million per year
2. The cost of eliminating dental and vision benefits will be an average of $20.6 Million per year.
3. The cost of capping earned service credit at 30 years is an average of $47.9 Million per year
4. The cost of putting new employees into the “hybrid” plan is an average of $41.0 Million per year.
This huge shift of the employer’s liability onto the backs of school employees is one reason to vote NO.
Also, in these days of ever increasing demands on school employees (AYP, RTTT, mandatory curriculum, etc., etc.) it does not make sense to punish school employees with these draconian cuts and cost shifts.
SECOND BILL TO CALL ABOUT IS:
We have received word that the full Senate intends to discharge SB 1046 and SJR P (Senate Joint Resolution) from the Reform Committee to the full Senate. SB 1046 is the bill limiting public employers to paying no more than 80% of health care premiums for employees. SJR P is a proposed constitutional amendment to authorize the State to do this.
Please call your senator and urge her/him to vote NO on these two proposals if they come u for a vote.
Tell you senator to vote NO on these bills. USE PHRASES FROM ABOVE to help you with your message!
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
FIRST BILL TO CALL ABOUT!!!!
PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATOR NOW. URGE HER/HIM TO VOTE NO ON SB 1227 IF IT COMES BEFORE THE SENATE. (Addresses and phone numbers are at the bottom of this post).
THIS BILL IS ON A FAST TRACK AND WE NEED ACTION NOW. Yesterday, the Retirement sub-committee of the Senate Appropriations Committee moved the school employee retirement bill, SB 1227 to the full Appropriations Committee with some changes. We expect the full Appropriations Committee to move it to the floor of the Senate for fast action either today or tomorrow.
As it now stands, the bill provides:
1. The increased pension multiplier for folks who retire between July 1 and September 1, 2010 IS ELIMINATED AS IN GONE, KAPUT, NULLIFIED. In this version of the Senate bill, there is not a sweetener to get people to retire early.
2. The punitive elimination of dental and vision coverage for those who retire after September 1, 2010 is still in the bill.
3. The outrageous increase of 3% of salary to pay for the mis-management and under funding of the pension by the State is still in the bill.
4. The cap of 30 years on earned service credit is still in the bill.
5. The “hybrid” pension plan for new hires is still in the bill although the Senate version changes the minimum retirement age in the plan to 60 (the Governor proposed the age at 65).
The State Budget Office estimates that this bill will cost school employees/retirees $3.52 BILLION over the next 10 years or an average of $352.5 million per year. The breakdown on these new charges to school employees is:
1. The retirement contribution of 3% of pay (really a new payroll tax) will be an average of $242.8 Million per year
2. The cost of eliminating dental and vision benefits will be an average of $20.6 Million per year.
3. The cost of capping earned service credit at 30 years is an average of $47.9 Million per year
4. The cost of putting new employees into the “hybrid” plan is an average of $41.0 Million per year.
This huge shift of the employer’s liability onto the backs of school employees is one reason to vote NO.
Also, in these days of ever increasing demands on school employees (AYP, RTTT, mandatory curriculum, etc., etc.) it does not make sense to punish school employees with these draconian cuts and cost shifts.
SECOND BILL TO CALL ABOUT IS:
We have received word that the full Senate intends to discharge SB 1046 and SJR P (Senate Joint Resolution) from the Reform Committee to the full Senate. SB 1046 is the bill limiting public employers to paying no more than 80% of health care premiums for employees. SJR P is a proposed constitutional amendment to authorize the State to do this.
Please call your senator and urge her/him to vote NO on these two proposals if they come u for a vote.
Tell you senator to vote NO on these bills. USE PHRASES FROM ABOVE to help you with your message!
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
Friday, March 19, 2010
Walled Lake Support Staff Rally on SATURDAY, March 20th, 2010
The Walled Lake Transportation-Mechanics, Transportation Paraprofessionals, and the Walled Lake CFM - custodians and coordinators are under threat of PRIVATIZATION!
They will be holding a rally tomorrow!
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
From 1 to 5 PM
The corner of Maple and Pontiac Trail in Walled Lake (Community High School Area)
MEA Support Staff Conference Participants (being held in Troy today and tomorrow) and MEA staff will be coming to support the Walled Lake Support Staff.
Your support at this rally would be greatly appreciated. Wear your green WLEA tshirt!
They will be holding a rally tomorrow!
Saturday, March 20th, 2010
From 1 to 5 PM
The corner of Maple and Pontiac Trail in Walled Lake (Community High School Area)
MEA Support Staff Conference Participants (being held in Troy today and tomorrow) and MEA staff will be coming to support the Walled Lake Support Staff.
Your support at this rally would be greatly appreciated. Wear your green WLEA tshirt!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Don't let the Michigan House use a SHELL bill to pass some of the most important legislation concerning educators!
UPDATE: March 20th, 2010
The "SHELL" bill was stopped! Thank you everyone for making your voices heard!!!
"We have received word from an very reliable source that the Governor is trying to get the House of Representatives to pass a "shell" bill for HB 5953 and send it to the Senate. THIS IS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY, March 18th."
"Passing a shell bill means passing a bill with little substantive change in it that the other house (in this case the Senate) can amend in a quick vote with whatever substance it wishes, and then send it back for a quick vote to concur. In essence this is a parliamentary trick, some would say dirty trick, to ramrod a bill through with absolutely no debate, no consideration in committee, and no opportunity to consider the ramifications of the action. "
Please contact your State Representative AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE ON THURSDAY, AND
URGE HER/HIM TO OPPOSE ANY EFFORT TO PASS A HB 5953 WITHOUT A FULL AIRING IN COMMITTEE AND PLENTY OF TIME TO DEBATE THE BILL AND UNDERSTAND ITS RAMIFICATIONS.
COPY AND PASTE THE MESSAGE BELOW!!!! Then, pick any or all email addresses of House Legislators included below the message!
1. DO NOT use the trickery of a shell bill to pass legislation that affects educators" retirement and future pay and benefits without a full airing in committee, thoughtful debate, and careful consideration of the ramifications of HB 5953
2. This is a most despicable, underhanded subversion of the legislative process
that is imaginable. It undermines the very essence of democracy and should be
avoided except when the State faces imminent collapse.
3. There is no need to rush through massive rollbacks in public pensions without
a full debate and consideration of all options and all ramifications.
4. If they truly want to provide an incentive to people to retire, that portion
of the bill can be passed as a stand alone action and any other modifications to
pensions can come later, after careful deliberation.
Write or Call -
Governor Jennifer Granholm
517-373-3400 Phone 517-335-6863 Fax
to write Gov. Granholm, please go to the Michigan.gov website
Speaker of the House Andy Dillon
Phone: 517-373-0857
Fax: 517-373-5976
E-mail: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov
State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov
State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov
State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov
The "SHELL" bill was stopped! Thank you everyone for making your voices heard!!!
"We have received word from an very reliable source that the Governor is trying to get the House of Representatives to pass a "shell" bill for HB 5953 and send it to the Senate. THIS IS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY, March 18th."
"Passing a shell bill means passing a bill with little substantive change in it that the other house (in this case the Senate) can amend in a quick vote with whatever substance it wishes, and then send it back for a quick vote to concur. In essence this is a parliamentary trick, some would say dirty trick, to ramrod a bill through with absolutely no debate, no consideration in committee, and no opportunity to consider the ramifications of the action. "
Please contact your State Representative AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE ON THURSDAY, AND
URGE HER/HIM TO OPPOSE ANY EFFORT TO PASS A HB 5953 WITHOUT A FULL AIRING IN COMMITTEE AND PLENTY OF TIME TO DEBATE THE BILL AND UNDERSTAND ITS RAMIFICATIONS.
COPY AND PASTE THE MESSAGE BELOW!!!! Then, pick any or all email addresses of House Legislators included below the message!
1. DO NOT use the trickery of a shell bill to pass legislation that affects educators" retirement and future pay and benefits without a full airing in committee, thoughtful debate, and careful consideration of the ramifications of HB 5953
2. This is a most despicable, underhanded subversion of the legislative process
that is imaginable. It undermines the very essence of democracy and should be
avoided except when the State faces imminent collapse.
3. There is no need to rush through massive rollbacks in public pensions without
a full debate and consideration of all options and all ramifications.
4. If they truly want to provide an incentive to people to retire, that portion
of the bill can be passed as a stand alone action and any other modifications to
pensions can come later, after careful deliberation.
Write or Call -
Governor Jennifer Granholm
517-373-3400 Phone 517-335-6863 Fax
to write Gov. Granholm, please go to the Michigan.gov website
Speaker of the House Andy Dillon
Phone: 517-373-0857
Fax: 517-373-5976
E-mail: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov
State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov
State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov
State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
WRITE YOUR LEGISLATORS
The news out of Lansing continues to be that legislators are looking to balance the state's budget on the BACKS OF TEACHERS. This includes future payments of 3% per year for all teachers who don't retire, except those in MIP-Plus. Other requriements for pay cuts and cuts of dental and vision insurance co-pays could be passed soon! There is word that this legislation could come forward for a vote as soon as MARCH 25th!
Please write your Legislators today! or THURSDAY!!!! or FRIDAY!!!!!
Just copy and paste the information in BLACK below and then, pick a legislator to send it to from the list below my suggested message. OR, send it to ALL the legislators listed!
Thank you!
· STOP the constant attacks on school employees’ pay, pension and health benefits! It should NOT and can NOT provide a solution to the budget crisis. These are merely band-aids for our state’s financial problems.
· School employees have led by example, making almost $1 billion in salary and benefit concessions during the past three years.
· Most school employees already pay out of pocket for health insurance and retirement – and those that don’t have made salary concessions instead.
· The average Michigan teacher spends $500 or more out of pocket on basic classroom supplies.
· Legislators must focus on long-term, balanced solutions to Michigan’s antiquated tax structure and broken school funding system that will provide adequate, equitable and stable funding for public education.
· Close tax loopholes and end ineffective tax incentives.
· Audit government contracts for efficiency.
· Expand the sales tax to include some services and luxury items.
· Enact a graduated income tax that would be a tax cut for 90 percent of Michigan families.
Write or Call -
Governor Jennifer Granholm
517-373-3400 Phone 517-335-6863 Fax
to write Gov. Granholm, please go to the Michigan.gov website
Speaker of the House Andy Dillon
Phone: 517-373-0857
Fax: 517-373-5976
E-mail: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov
State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov
State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov
State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov
Friday, March 12, 2010
Governor's Retirement Proposals hit Michigan House and Senate
The Governor’s retirement legislation has been introduced in the Michigan Senate as SB 1226 (sponsored by Sen. Mark Jansen (R) Grand Rapids) and SB 1227 (sponsored by Sen. Judd Gilbert (R) Algonac). SB 1226 is the bill to amend the State Employees Retirement System and SB 1227 is the bill to amend the Public School Employees Retirement System.
The bill to amend MPSERS per the Governor’s proposal is has been introduced into the Michigan House as HB 5953 (sponsored by Rep. Bill Rogers (R) Brighton). The bill to amend the State Employees Retirement Plan with her changes is HB 5954 (sponsored by Rep. Chuck Moss (R) Birmingham).
It is noteworthy, to say the least, that a Democratic Governor's proposals have been introduced by all Republicans.
As the Governor's plan stands now, all school employees (NOT the employer) who are working next year, EXCEPT THOSE IN "MIP PLUS", will pay 3% more to the state.
Write or Call -
Governor Jennifer Granholm
517-373-3400 Phone 517-335-6863 Fax
to write Gov. Granholm, please go to the Michigan.gov website
Speaker of the House Andy Dillon
Phone: 517-373-0857
Fax: 517-373-5976
E-mail: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov
State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov
State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov
State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov
The bill to amend MPSERS per the Governor’s proposal is has been introduced into the Michigan House as HB 5953 (sponsored by Rep. Bill Rogers (R) Brighton). The bill to amend the State Employees Retirement Plan with her changes is HB 5954 (sponsored by Rep. Chuck Moss (R) Birmingham).
It is noteworthy, to say the least, that a Democratic Governor's proposals have been introduced by all Republicans.
As the Governor's plan stands now, all school employees (NOT the employer) who are working next year, EXCEPT THOSE IN "MIP PLUS", will pay 3% more to the state.
Write or Call -
Governor Jennifer Granholm
517-373-3400 Phone 517-335-6863 Fax
to write Gov. Granholm, please go to the Michigan.gov website
Speaker of the House Andy Dillon
Phone: 517-373-0857
Fax: 517-373-5976
E-mail: andydillon@house.mi.gov
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop
Phone: 517-373-2417
Fax: 517-373-2694
E-mail: senmbishop@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Nancy Cassis
Phone: 517-373-1758
Fax: 517-373-0938
senncassis@senate.michigan.gov
State Senator Gilda Jacobs
Phone: 517-373-7888
Fax: 517-373- 2983
SenGJacobs@senate.michigan.gov
State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov
State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov
State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov
State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Message from Lu Battaglieri, Executive Director, MEA
This is a lobbying report from Lu Battaglieri, the MEA's Executive Director, regarding yesterday in Lansing. I believe this report is significant when it is considered that SOS (Save Our Schools - the group lobbying for loss of teacher pay, benefits, and bargaining rights) was in town!
From Lu-
March 10, 2010
Good afternoon,
I want to tell you of a lobbying event that took place today.
We had gotten wind that management groups belonging to SOS were going to meet this morning and lobby this afternoon. I asked Government Affairs and Field Services to bring a group of staff and leaders to Lansing this morning to counter lobby. It was fantastic. A big thank you to all who participated on such a short notice. It worked – I’m getting phone calls.
They are just now getting to legislators who are asking them (administrators) the questions we suggested legislators should ask of the administrators. (i.e. Are school administrators here today lobbying on their own time, or are they being paid with public funds today? Do you believe school districts should be forced to use up the $1.7 billion in their fund surpluses before cutting program, charging students to play sports, and cut busing? Should school districts be allowed to spend public dollars to hire attorneys to do administrators' jobs for them?)
It was the definition of strategic, collective action.
From Lu-
March 10, 2010
Good afternoon,
I want to tell you of a lobbying event that took place today.
We had gotten wind that management groups belonging to SOS were going to meet this morning and lobby this afternoon. I asked Government Affairs and Field Services to bring a group of staff and leaders to Lansing this morning to counter lobby. It was fantastic. A big thank you to all who participated on such a short notice. It worked – I’m getting phone calls.
They are just now getting to legislators who are asking them (administrators) the questions we suggested legislators should ask of the administrators. (i.e. Are school administrators here today lobbying on their own time, or are they being paid with public funds today? Do you believe school districts should be forced to use up the $1.7 billion in their fund surpluses before cutting program, charging students to play sports, and cut busing? Should school districts be allowed to spend public dollars to hire attorneys to do administrators' jobs for them?)
It was the definition of strategic, collective action.
Friday, March 5, 2010
A Message from Iris Salters Re: RTTT
The list of states who qualified for RTTT funds was officially released yesterday. Sixteen states qualified for funds, although Michigan was NOT one. States that qualified were: Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT OF THE MEA, IRIS SALTERS
As you can see Michigan was not one of the states. We will become the primary persons responsible for Michigan not receiving the funds. We know that is not true. It was their plan and they wrote it primarily in secret. Until the score sheets are made public, we will not know where Michigan lost points. You will be asked for your opinion. Hopefully these talking points listed below can help you with a response.
1. From the start, Michigan failed to embrace the collaborative
spirit President Obama called for under Race To The Top - the concerns of thousands of school employees were ignored by the state
superintendent and the Legislature. So while we're disappointed
that Michigan is not a finalist for RTTT funds, we can't say we're
surprised.
2. While we now need to find ways to work with school districts to
implement these new laws and identify how to pay for the required
changes, it's important to remember that even if we'd received the
$400 million in one-time funding from the federal government, we'd
still face a huge funding crisis in Michigan's public schools.
3. We need long-term, balanced solutions to our school funding
crisis, like the comprehensive business tax incentive reform
called for in research released by MEA this afternoon. To end this
decade-long crisis, we must update our antiquated tax structure and
fix our broken school funding system - not rely on one-time federal
money or other quick fixes.
Iris K. Salters
MEA President
A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT OF THE MEA, IRIS SALTERS
As you can see Michigan was not one of the states. We will become the primary persons responsible for Michigan not receiving the funds. We know that is not true. It was their plan and they wrote it primarily in secret. Until the score sheets are made public, we will not know where Michigan lost points. You will be asked for your opinion. Hopefully these talking points listed below can help you with a response.
1. From the start, Michigan failed to embrace the collaborative
spirit President Obama called for under Race To The Top - the concerns of thousands of school employees were ignored by the state
superintendent and the Legislature. So while we're disappointed
that Michigan is not a finalist for RTTT funds, we can't say we're
surprised.
2. While we now need to find ways to work with school districts to
implement these new laws and identify how to pay for the required
changes, it's important to remember that even if we'd received the
$400 million in one-time funding from the federal government, we'd
still face a huge funding crisis in Michigan's public schools.
3. We need long-term, balanced solutions to our school funding
crisis, like the comprehensive business tax incentive reform
called for in research released by MEA this afternoon. To end this
decade-long crisis, we must update our antiquated tax structure and
fix our broken school funding system - not rely on one-time federal
money or other quick fixes.
Iris K. Salters
MEA President
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Important for ALL MEMBERS
Dear WLEA Members,
As I wrote in my blog from Friday, February 26th, a survey was given to the high school students to determine their preference for a 6 or 7 period day. In summary, the survey has shown that a majority of students have expressed a preference for the 7 period day. As I announced last week, the agreement with Dr. Hamilton was: "The WLEA and the district have agreed that if a majority of students prefer a seven period day, discussion will continue."
This is a bargaining issue. Accordingly, a committee has been charged, by both the WLEA and district bargaining teams, to define the activities and structure of Student Resource Time (SRT), if it were to become part of the high school day. The committee was formed by the district and the WLEA that includes members from both the core and elective areas.
The committee will begin work tomorrow and Thursday under the direction of Dr. Dave Barry and Greg Diamond, Principal of Northern High School. The parameters for the structure of the SRT, as it would apply to a seven period day, include: 1) It must be revenue neutral, 2) SRT must be meaningful for students, and 3) Maintains, not increases, current elective FTE.
A final report from this committee will be given to both bargaining teams.
As I wrote in my blog from Friday, February 26th, a survey was given to the high school students to determine their preference for a 6 or 7 period day. In summary, the survey has shown that a majority of students have expressed a preference for the 7 period day. As I announced last week, the agreement with Dr. Hamilton was: "The WLEA and the district have agreed that if a majority of students prefer a seven period day, discussion will continue."
This is a bargaining issue. Accordingly, a committee has been charged, by both the WLEA and district bargaining teams, to define the activities and structure of Student Resource Time (SRT), if it were to become part of the high school day. The committee was formed by the district and the WLEA that includes members from both the core and elective areas.
The committee will begin work tomorrow and Thursday under the direction of Dr. Dave Barry and Greg Diamond, Principal of Northern High School. The parameters for the structure of the SRT, as it would apply to a seven period day, include: 1) It must be revenue neutral, 2) SRT must be meaningful for students, and 3) Maintains, not increases, current elective FTE.
A final report from this committee will be given to both bargaining teams.
The Bylaws and Constitution of the WLEA that concern the procedures for ratifying modifications and letters of understanding to an existing master agreement will still need to be adhered to. Those steps include (page 11 of the Bylaws):
**Only proposed modifications and letters of understanding tentatively agreed to by the bargaining team may be submitted for ratification.
**The modifications and letters of understanding shall be deemed to be ratified upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors voting at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors. EXCEPT that the Board of Directors may, by a majority vote, refer the question of ratification to the members.
**If the Board of Directors refers the question of ratification to the members, the following steps must take place:
1. A general meeting will be held prior to the ratification election to discuss issues and allow the membership an opportunity to voice their opinions.
2. Changes from the preceding agreement shall be made available to the members at least forty-eight hours prior to this general meeting.
3. Ratification shall be by a special election following procedures determined by the Election Committee.
4. This election shall take place over a period of forty-eight hours.
5. The contract shall be deemed to be ratified upon affirmative vote of a majority of the active members in good standing voting on the questions.
Terese Fitzpatrick, President
Walled Lake Education Association
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