Lisa Brown Stands UP for Educational Funding!

Walled Lake Members!

I am reprinting a message that appeared on Rep. Lisa Brown's, WL's State Representative, website. She is supporting a plan to prevent the raid of money from the School Aid Fund! Finally some good news!

CLICK the link below to watch the VIDEO of her press conference (just short of 3 minutes), and then CLICK on the "fightschoolcuts" link to CYBER LOBBY!!!!! Easy and quick to do!

Also, write Lisa Brown and thank her for her efforts toward preserving funding for public schools! Web links are at the bottom of this post!

FROM LISA BROWN, Democrat, State Representative, District 39 (including Walled Lake, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills)

Dear education supporters,

As you know, certain politicians are trying to balance the budget on the backs of our children by raiding the School Aid Fund. Please check out video from an event where I recently announced my support for a plan to prevent this from happening. Money for K-12 education should go where it belongs - our schools.

By visiting www.fightschoolcuts.com, you can sign a petition and help rally support against these cuts. When you get to the site, click on the green square on the bottom right hand side of the site that says "Support Our Schools".

Sincerely,

State Representative Lisa Brown
39^th House District

State Representative D -Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov

TAKE ACTION NOW!!!

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid is meeting today at 2 PM to listen to public input about proposed budget cuts for schools. They began yesterday and scheduled another meeting today.

School districts face a $470 per pupil cut on top of an increase in mandated retirement costs of $230 per pupil. Those numbers amount to the largest reduction in per pupil funding ever. This loss of revenue doesn’t include the ARRA fund and EduJob funds that were temporary stop gaps provided by the Federal government!

This "flys in the face" of the wishes of Michigan citizens: Voters approved the Michigan Lottery in 1972 and Proposal A in 1994 with the understanding that the funds generated by these measures would be dedicated to SUPPORTING EDUCATION. The voters wanted money put into a special fund where it was protected from raids such as Governor Snyder's. It was called the State School Aid Fund.

At the same time the governor is taking $900 million AWAY from the State School Aid Fund (meant for K-12 Education), he is proposing tax cuts for businesses that would cut $1.8 BILLION in tax revenue. Essentially he is giving School money to businesses!

Is that your wish? It was NOT the wish of the voters! However, his proposed CUTS TO EDUCATION WOULD NOT NEED TO TAKE PLACE if it weren't for his almost TWO BILLION DOLLAR TAX cut to Michigan businesses. Having high quality public schools is not a partisan issue. High quality public education is a necessity for every citizen, and should be the priority of all citizens.

MEA members are urged to immediately contact your state representatives and senators about the proposed budget.

A suggested letter:
Dear State Legislator,
In 1972 citizens of Michigan approved the Michigan Lottery, and in 994 they approved Proposal A to insure that funding for education was protected.

Now our schools stand to have anywhere from $700 and $1000 less in funding per student due to the actions of our Governor! Raiding the school aid fund, while giving businesses almost $2 Billion dollars, totally disregards the wishes of the voters who determined funding for schools in the elections of 1972 and 1994.

You must honor the wishes of the public sector by not allowing the raid on the School State Aid Fund to the benefit of Michigan businesses!

Thank you!

Please be sure to use your HOME EMAILS and/or CELL or HOME PHONES!

State Senator Mike Kowall R-White Lake Twp.
517-373-1758
SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

State Representative D -Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793 Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov

State Representative D -Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616 Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov

Who Backs Economic Policy in Michigan?

Report on Mackinac Center and other news on Economic Policies in Michigan
Rachel Maddow of MSNBC talks about the Michigan Governor’s attack on the unemployed and its effect on the economy. OF PARTCULAR INTEREST, in the first few minutes of the tape, Rachel Maddow talks about who funds the Mackinac Center! You may want to know!

Click on HERE!

The Democrats today.......despite the 2 week vacation

As reported in this morning's Free Press and Detroit News -
State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer (D), the senate minority leader, reported today that the Democratic lawmakers will introduce a constitutional amendment to protect the money in the state School Aid Fund from being raided by Governor Snyder.

Governor Snyder has proposed a budget cut of $470 per student. YET, he is using almost $900 Million of the School Aid Fund to help fund community colleges and universities.

Sen. Whitmer held a press conference this morning and emphasized that voters approved the Michigan Lottery in 1972 and Proposal A in 1994 with the understanding that the funds generated by these measures would be dedicated to SUPPORTING EDUCATION. The voters wanted money put into a special fund where it was protected from raids such as Governor Snyder's.

At the same time the governor is taking $900 million AWAY from K-12 Education, he is proposing tax reforms for business that would cut $1.8 BILLION in tax revenue. He claims this is needed to improve the business climate in Michigan.

However, he is proposing CUTS TO EDUCATION that WOULD NOT NEED TO TAKE PLACE if it weren't for his almost TWO BILLION DOLLAR TAX cut to Michigan businesses.

National Day of Action Rally in Ann Arbor - April 4th, 2011

The Michigan Legislature has gone on VACATION for the next two weeks, but it is NOT time for us to let down our guard!

For all of you who will still be in town, here is an easy-to-get-to, easy-to-do way to show your feelings about the legislative attacks on our bargaining rights, that will also take place IN ANN ARBOR WHERE GOVERNOR SNYDER LIVES!!!!
Monday, April 4th
The NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION Rally
Where: University of Michigan Campus in Ann Arbor! *****At Ingalls Mall - Ingalls Mall is by the Bell Tower, near Rackham Hall and Hill Auditorium. *****On Washington Street between State and Fletcher
When: Noon to 1 PM
Why: 1) To affirm Dr. martin Luther King Jur.'s vision on the anniversary of his assassination 2) To honor his support of LABOR 3) To protest the current assaults on democratic rights and bargaining rights
Who: Local MEA affiliate, Local police and fire, AFSCME, Teamsters, WEIU, GEO

Today's news from MEA's Capital Comment -

CLICK THE LINKS TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR. Many of these bills are coming to a vote in the House of Representatives or the Senate! (all "hot" links start with the word "please" and appear in green on the posting).

DON'T BE SHY ABOUT WRITING! LOTS of VOICES do make a difference!

Wednesday at the Capitol

•The House Education Committee passed House Bill 4306, legislation to require schools to solicit bids to outsource certain support services and to post the bids on their public website. The panel rejected amendments to give preferences to district employees and residents and to require schools to post contracts with private contractors online. MEA opposes this bill --
Please contact your state representative NOW and ask for a NO vote on House Bill 4306.

•Members of the House Education Committee listened to several presentations from charter school proponents. Some lawmakers want to consider legislation to greatly increase the number of public school academies in Michigan.

•The Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee took testimony on Senate Bill 7. Senate Bill 7 would require all public employees to pay at least 20 percent of the cost of their health insurance. MEA opposes this bill; the issue should be decided locally. In many instances, public employees have previously sacrificed wages or other benefits to maintain health insurance.
Please contact your Senator and TELL HIM or HER that this should be a LOCAL Bargaining issue!

•The Senate Appropriations K-12 School Aid and Education Subcommittee listened to public testimony on the proposed school aid budget. Gov. Rick Snyder wants the budget finalized by May.
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Thursday at the Capitol

•The Senate could vote any day on House Bill 4152, a bill to freeze wages and benefits when a collective bargaining agreement expires until a new contract takes effect. This would effectively eliminate step raises between contracts and require employees to pay any increased costs of maintaining health insurance and other benefits. The legislation would also prohibit any retroactive increase in wages or benefits after a new contract is signed. MEA opposes this bill --
Please call your state senator NOW and urge him/her to vote NO on House Bill 4152.

•The state House could vote on House Bill 4059, which would prohibit public employers from paying union officials for time conducting union business. MEA opposes this bill -- this bill would prohibit any union office, such as a president, to be released for association work, such as the WLEA's. It would also mean that bargaining committees and any other association work would have to be done after school hours.
Please contact your state representative and ask him/her to vote NO on House Bill 4059.

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Lawmaker introduces bill to punish unions, teachers in event of strike

A key Republican lawmaker on Tuesday introduced legislation to punish unions and teachers who engage in an illegal strike.

Rep. Paul Scott, R-Grand Blanc, wants to increase the penalties to fine unions $5,000 per day and strip a striking teacher's license. He also wants to consolidate hearings against employees -- individual hearings against employees are currently required. The bill has been assigned to the House Education Committee, which Scott chairs.

MEA will vigorously oppose these bills that seek to further silence the voices of school employees -- especially given lawmakers' unprecedented attacks on public education and Michigan's Middle Class.


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March 22 and March 23 in Lansing....

Tuesday at the Capitol - FROM MEA's "Capital Comments"

----more negative funding information and anti-union legislation!
• The House Appropriations School Aid Subcommittee took testimony on the proposed school aid budget and a proposal to give half of a per pupil foundation grant to schools with half-day kindergarten. On the kindergarten proposal, several superintendents said they would provide full-day kindergarten because the cost of doing so would be less than what they'd lose if they maintained a half-day program. But, they said, adding the kindergarten expense on top of proposed budget cuts would prove very difficult. "Now is not the time to force this kind of choice on school districts that are fighting for our very survival," said Portland Superintendent Charles Dumas. No vote was taken. Gov. Rick Snyder wants the school aid budget completed in two months.



• The House Oversight, Reform and Ethics Committee took testimony on House Bill 4052, a bill that would prohibit the use of taxpayer-funded equipment, supplies, and facilities for union or political activities. MEA submitted a card of opposition to the bill because it would prohibit local associations from using buildings, facilities, services, or e-mail for political activities. It would also prohibit union members from engaging in political fundraising or campaigning for union office on school grounds and ban collective bargaining organizing activities and membership drives of the association at school.

________________________________________
Wednesday at the Capitol


• Possibly as early as Wednesday, the Senate could vote on House Bill 4152, a bill to freeze wages and benefits when a collective bargaining agreement expires until a new contract takes effect. This would effectively eliminate step raises between contracts and require employees to pay any increased costs of maintaining health insurance and other benefits. The legislation would also prohibit any retroactive increase in wages or benefits after a new contract is signed. MEA opposes this bill -- please contact your state senator NOW and urge him/her to vote NO on House Bill 4152.


• The state House could vote on House Bill 4059, which would prohibit public employers from paying union officials for time conducting union business. MEA opposes this bill -- please contact your state representative and ask him/her to vote NO on House Bill 4059.


• The Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday to consider Senate Bill 7. The meeting is in Rooms 402-403 of the Capitol. Senate Bill 7 would require all public employees to pay at least 20 percent of the cost of their health insurance. MEA opposes this bill; the issue should be decided locally. In many instances, public employees have previously sacrificed wages or other benefits to maintain health insurance.
• The Senate Appropriations K-12 School Aid and Education Subcommittee meets at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations Room at the Capitol to receive public testimony on the proposed school aid budget. Snyder has proposed deep budget cuts for schools.


• The House Education Committee meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Room 519 of the House Office Building to consider House Bill 4306. This legislation would require schools to solicit bids to outsource certain support services and to post the bids on their public website. MEA opposes the bill.

Here is how to contact Governor Snyder:
Please be sure to use your HOME EMAILS and/or CELL or HOME PHONES!

Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov

PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858 - Constituent Services
FAX:(517) 335-6863
Here is who you can write and/or call:

State Senator Mike Kowall R-White Lake Twp. 517-373-1758
SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

State Representative D -Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov

State Representative D -Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov

Thank you to all WLEA Members who attended the March 16th Rally in Lansing!

Iris Salters, MEA President, addresses the crowd.

The Crowd looking from the steps of the Capitol.

WLEA Members brought signs and were heard!
Steve and Sherri.

Sherri talks to Grand Rapids TV!

Paula

Jim Walsh
Gudrun

Chip.

The WOLF is at the Door - Legislation Caps

Below is a legislative update from the MEA's Capital Comments. This is just for Tuesday and Wednesday. Things are moving VERY FAST!Tuesday at the Capitol. The bills highlighted in red will have the most financial impact on your wages and benefits. I have bolded other legislation to hopefully give you a quick way to read through this overwhelming list of legislation under consideration.

The House approved final changes to legislation dealing with state takeovers of public schools and municipalities. Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign the measure, which would allow emergency financial managers to throw out union contracts and overrule locally elected officials, including school board members. Media reports indicate that the legislation would have almost immediate impact on the state''s largest school district -- Detroit’s current emergency manager wants to turn 41 public schools into charter schools and the new legislation would allow him to do so without school board approval.

• School superintendents from Hanover-Horton, Concord, Garden City, and Avondale testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid Tuesday. Each superintendent spoke against further budget cuts, as outlined in Snyder's proposal. "The cuts to our district would be devastating," said Michelle Cline, superintendent of Garden City Public Schools, who added that her district would "almost undeniably shut our doors. . . . Passage of this budget would be crushing." The subcommittee doesn't yet have a formal budget bill; Snyder wants the budget completed by May 31.
• The House Oversight, Reform, and Ethics Committee approved House Bill 4059 to prohibit public employers from paying release time for union officers or bargaining representatives. The bill passed 4-2, with Republicans voting in favor and Democrats voting "no." MEA opposes the bill; please contact your state representative and senator and tell him/her to continue to allow local schools the ability to decide this issue at the local level. This bill would prohibit a full time release president like myself. It would also mean that all bargaining would have to occur after school hours and on weekends. Considering the hours our WLEA teams have spent in bargaining in the past, this could be grueling on Bargaining team members and perhaps even prohibitive for some.

Wednesday at the Capitol
• The House Education Committee will take testimony on a bill to force districts to get bids to outsource the jobs of many educational support professionals. MEA opposes House bill 4306 and one of our lobbyists will testify before the panel. If you plan to be in Lansing by 9 a.m. Wednesday, go to Room 519 of the House Office Building to monitor developments. For more information, go to www.mea.org/gov.
• The Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee on Wednesday will listen to testimony about Senate Bill 7, a bill that would require all public employees pay a certain percentage of the cost of their health insurance. MEA opposes this bill -- the issue should be settled locally at the bargaining table, not in Lansing. In many instances, school employees have previously sacrificed wages or other benefits to maintain health insurance.
• The Senate Education Committee will take up House Bill 4152, a bill to freeze wages, including step increases, for public employees when a contract expires and before a new contract is negotiated. Employees who receive health, dental, vision, prescription, or other insurance benefits would have to pay any increased cost during that time. Employees could not receive any retroactive payments for wages or health insurance costs as part of settling the contract. MEA opposes the bill.

This bill could be particularly damaging to MEA members during a time when settling contracts is difficult due to the proposed draconian cuts to school funding that currently exist. It could force a bargaining group to accept an unwise settlement because not-to-settle would cost their members even more. If insurance goes up 15% and Retirement goes up 4% (this is as it looks this year), the members would be totally responsible for those increases with no chance of having that money reimbursed.

Also, in the past, if a contract wasn't settled at the beginning of the year, members usually had a pay freeze, but members in the steps still got their step increases. This bill would disallow that. It is not clear to me whether those lost wages could be recovered.

Rally, Write or Call - Walled Lake Finances

Finances and State Funding -Below is the work up I’ve done of Losses of Funding to Walled Lake Schools, as well as the Increased Costs for the Teachers’ Group for the 2011-2012 School year.

The bottom line is that with a loss of $7,239,200 in funding AND increased charges for the teachers’ group of $6,160,000, Walled Lake Schools face, minimally, a shortfall of over $13 MILLION. This estimate does not include any bargained raises for other groups, increased energy costs, nor insurance benefits for other bargaining groups.

TEACHERS HAVE TO HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD!!!
We need to –
1) Go to Lansing for rallys – see Sunday’s post for RALLY INFO for Wednesday
2) Write your representatives – See the bottom of this posting – it is LONG
3) Call your representatives
4) Write and Call the Governor of Michigan

SUGGESTED MESSAGES ARE INCLUDED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POSTING.

A synopsis of the Losses of Funding and Increased Costs for the Teachers’ Group for 2011-2012.

CLICK HERE FOR A DOCUMENT VIEW OF Financial INFORMATION BELOW!

Loss 1 -Funding from state - $170 per student
This loss was filled in last year by ARRA funds and
stabilization funds from the Federal government.

Walled Lake is figuring on 15,404 students next year
(a loss of 86 students from 2010-11).

$170 times 15,404 students = $2,618,000.00

Loss 2 -Gov. Snyder's additional proposed reduction in his budget
$300 per student

$300 times 15,404 students = $4,621,200.00

Loss 3 20J Funds - $4.8 million in funding for WLCSD
District has not even figured this into their loses because
we didn't get it last year or this year, and figure it is gone

SUBTOTAL Subtotal $7,239,200.00

Increased Costs Retirement Rate Payment to State
#1 The state is raising the rate for retirement from 20.66%
to 24.66%
2010-2011 - 20.66% times $69 million in salary
$14,255,400
2011-2012 - 24.66% times $69 million in salary
$14,015,400
For teacher group only this could mean an increase of- $2,760,000.00
(does NOT include other employee groups!)

#2 Insurance (only includes teacher costs)
1)The district is figuring for a 15% increase in insurance
2)Insurance costs for district in 2010-2011 was-
$12,000,000
Cost of increase at 15% $1,800,000.00

Cost of increase at 10% $1,200,000.00
#3 Step Increases for teachers in the steps $1,600,000.00
(no increases for other groups are included in my
approximation)

Other costs not included-
1)estimates don't include any bargained raises
2)estimates don't include increases in energy costs
3)estimates don't include insurances for other groups

TOTALS TOTAL LOSSES plus INCREASED COSTS for 2011-2012
(Includes 15% insurance increase) - $13,399,200.00

When you write or call your representative, here is what you should say:

1. The proposed cuts to K-12 funding is unacceptable, particularly when the School State Aide fund holds adequate funds for the K-12 sector. K-12 public schools accept all students and do so without the ability to increase revenue via tuition or millage increases. The Governor's proposal of cutting funds to K-12 while giving those funds to community colleges and schools of higher ed, further strapping K-12 schools at a time when those schools have already cut “the low hanging fruit”, is bad for kids and it is not FAIR!

2. Quit attacking K-12 children and their education while giving a $1.8 billion tax cut to businesses and the wealthy.

3. Long range, instead of attacking the middle class, find a new way to fund schools. Proposal A does not work in the current economy.

4. **Fill in your own message*** For instance, driving school districts into insolvency does NOT improve education. If you truly care about the education of Michigan’s children, then funding is paramount.

Here is how to contact Governor Snyder:
Please be sure to use your HOME EMAILS and/or CELL or HOME PHONES!

Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov

PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858 - Constituent Services
FAX:(517) 335-6863
Here is who you can write and/or call:

State Senator Mike Kowall R-White Lake Twp. 517-373-1758
SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

State Representative D -Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov

State Representative D -Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov

State Representative R -Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov

MEA RALLY on Wednesday, March 16th, 4 - 6 PM, Lansing Capital!!!

The Michigan Education Association, Michigan AFL-CIO affiliate unions, including AFT Michigan, and other community allies from Working Michigan, ask you to stand up for Michigan's working families and protest the relentless Republican-led attacks in the state legislature.

WEDNESDAY, March 16th, Lansing Capitol Building - MEA is from 4 to 6 PM
If you park in the area, and then walk over to the capitol building, I believe you will see people marching. The more bodies, the greater the impact. You really don't have to do much more than show up!

The goal for Wednesday is a rolling protest throughout the afternoon. This protest will have rolling start times at Noon, 2pm and 4pm. Unions are taking responsibility for getting folks there at different times. AFT Michigan is aiming to get our folks there at Noon. The Building Trades are working to get folks there at 2pm, and the MEA is taking responsibility for the 4pm time slot.

Wear RED and bring any signs you have!

The Emergency Financial Manager legislation will be law. BUT THE DANGER IS NOT just the EFM. The danger now moves on to.........FINANCES and FUNDING!!! Despite having a State Aid Fund that has enough money to finance the schools, Governor Snyder's budget is proposing huge cuts to the budget for schools. At this point an amount of $470 per student is proposed, but other costs will also cost our schools MILLIONS of dollars. This includes an increase in the schools' payment to the retirement fund from 20.66% to 24.66%. (I will send you more specific information on Walled Lake's loses tomorrow!)

Most school districts are not going to be able to sustain these cuts without falling into deficit spending!

WE NEED OUR VOICES TO BE HEARD BY THE Governor and the Legislators in Lansing!

Plan to attend the rally Wednesday afternoon!

More information will follow about other ways to share your opinions and concerns with our government officials tomorrow! CHECK BACK!!!!

Wisconsin Senate strips public workers of all collective bargaining rights

AS REPORTED BY THE Associated Press on Wednesday Evening, March 9, 2011

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate succeeded in voting Wednesday to strip nearly all collective bargaining rights from public workers, after Republicans discovered a way to bypass the chamber's missing Democrats and approve an explosive proposal that has rocked the state and unions nationwide.

All 14 Senate Democrats fled to Illinois nearly three weeks ago, preventing the chamber from having enough members present to consider Gov. Scott Walker's "budget-repair bill" — a proposal introduced to plug a $137 million budget shortfall.

The Senate requires a quorum to take up any measures that spends money. But Republicans on Wednesday took all the spending measures out of the legislation and a special committee of lawmakers from both the Senate and Assembly approved the revised bill a short time later.

"In 30 minutes, 18 state senators undid 50 years of civil rights in Wisconsin. Their disrespect for the people of Wisconsin and their rights is an outrage that will never be forgotten," said Democratic Senate Minority Leader Mark Miller. "Tonight, 18 Senate Republicans conspired to take government away from the people."

The state Assembly previously approved the original proposal and was set to consider the new measure on Thursday. Miller said in an interview with The Associated Press there is nothing Democrats can do now to stop the bill: "It's a done deal."

This action by the Wisconsin Senate proves that the Republican agenda is NOT ABOUT the BUDGET, it is all about ending unions and the people's right to form a collective voice. If you have not yet viewed Rachel Maddow's clip in the post below, it may be worth your time.

Rachel Maddow - MSNBC Show

Rachel Maddow's show is a MUST SEE! The url is below!

AFTER 22 days of protests, WISCONSIN UNIONS have accomplished getting Governor Walker to talk about compromise! The Democrats have not returned yet, but as Rachel says, "WISCONSIN HAS WON!" This is proof that the people can still have an influence on government!!!! It takes people using their voices!

RACHEL SAYS MICHIGAN'S CASE IS MOST "STARK AND AMAZING" - in this case, they are not meant in a positive manner!
Rachel makes a tremendous case for the fact that all of the bills being presented in all the state legislatures is NOT ABOUT THE BUDGET. They tell us it is about the budget, but it is about union busting. It is NOT about the BUDGET because the state is cutting money from K-12 funding, pensions, and low income families. HE IS GIVING AWAY THIS SAVINGS, $1.7 BILLION BY GIVING BUSINESSES A $1.8 BILLION TAX BREAK!

Click on Rachel's name to get to her telecast: Rachel Maddow

Here are the Senators to target!
Please use your cell or home phones and your home email accounts!
7 Patrick Colbeck R-Canton Twp. 517-373-7350
SenPColbeck@senate.michigan.gov

10 Tory Rocca R-Sterling Heights 517-373-7315
SenTRocca@senate.michigan.gov

15 Mike Kowall R-White Lake Twp. 517-373-1758
SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

22 Joe Hune R-Hamburg Twp. 517-373-2420
SenJHune@senate.michigan.gov

Tell the legislators: Cutting funding to Schools, and increasing taxes for Retirees and low income families at the same time approving $1.8 billion for corporate tax breaks is beyond what the people of Michigan can tolerate. That the Michigan legislature should not be inacting corporate policy in place of acting in the best interests of the people of Michigan.

Things Are Happening Quickly in Lansing

AS REPORTED by MIRS (Michigan Independent Research Service) on March 8th

1) “The Emergency Financial Manager Bills
Despite raucous protest of more than 1,000 people in and outside the Capitol, the Senate today prepared for final passage a six-bill package that gives an Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) the power to terminate union contracts.

The bills are aimed at making it easier to intervene sooner in failing municipalities and school districts.

Democrats slathered the bills with amendments, almost none of which passed. One that did was on HB 4214, sponsored by Rep. Al PSCHOLKA (R-Stevensville), which limited the salary of the EFM to no more than what the Governor makes under the State Officers Compensation Committee guidelines, $177,000. That passed by the skin of its teeth, on a non-record roll call 19-18 vote, despite Senate Education Chair Phil PAVLOV's (R-St. Clair) protest that it would "limit talent." But even that amendment was taken up again and failed with majority Republicans shooting the provision down.

"Collective bargaining and voting rights are very similar -- they are both processes to help solve problems, either in the workplace or in our communities," said Christina KUO, executive director of Common Cause, at a Monday afternoon press conference. "They are the way we ensure that voices are heard, whether they are from a worker or a voter."

"This is union busting," said Bill BLACK from the Michigan Teamsters. Reminded that Gov. Rick SNYDER said it is all about keeping cities and schools out of bankruptcy, Black said, "And we're trying to protect our members and the middle class."

About 1,000 union members began the morning on the Capitol lawn listening to speakers denounce the Emergency Financial Manager package. Iris SALTER, who runs the Michigan Education Association, described it as "A way to again say to labor, you don't count . . . I believe it's just like being in the slave days."

2) Union Release Time Issue Examined

A House panel today took up legislation to prohibit public employer contracts that pay union officials for time conducting union business. It is particularly aimed at school districts, where such contract arrangements are most common. Rep. Marty KNOLLENBERG (R-Troy) is the sponsor of the bill (HB 4059). The practice it would outlaw is generally known as "paid release time."

Knollenberg calls it “common sense reform”. Wanda Cook, Superintendent of Southfield Schools testified for the bill saying that a district should not have to pay for union business. Democrats and union representatives argued that the issue belongs at the local bargaining table as it has been in the past.

3) The State Board of Education Passed TWO Resolutions Today
“The state Board of Education today passed two resolutions both praising and criticizing the Gov. Rick SNYDER administration's cuts to the K-12 budget and the emergency financial manager bills fast-tracking their way through the Republican-controlled Legislature.

On Snyder's education budget recommendations, the Board's resolution applauded his commitment to a "balanced and sustainable budget," and endorsed the "concept of a unified education vision" as well as his efforts to do so "respecting collective bargaining and public employee unions."

However, the board said it does not believe the budget as proposed provides the financial requirements to fund "the threshold elements of the P-20 education system needs in Michigan to provide individual opportunity and economic success."

Hear Michael Moore in Madison!

'America Is NOT Broke': Michael Moore Speaks in Madison, WI -- March 5, 2011

Click on the link below to hear Michael Moore's speech in Madison from Saturday. In short form, he talks about how our nation and states are NOT broke and that the wealth has been diverted to a few. He refers to the politicians that have been bought to protect the diversion of this wealth, and how the media has been bought to deliver the wealthy person's message.....which is meant to maintain the system that protects their wealth. He refers to the waking of a sleeping giant - the working class.

I heard a very similar message delivered today by Walter C. Farrell, Jr. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgNuSEZ8CDw&feature=player_embedded

EFM - ACTION IMPERATIVE!!!

The EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER BILL MAY BE VOTED ON IN Michigan’s Senate as soon as TUESDAY!! We must take action!
The bill numbers are Senate Bills 153-158 and House Bills 4214-4218 and 4246.
(Sample letter or script can be found at the bottom of the page!)

This is extremely dangerous legislation because, if a school district goes broke, it allows an “Emergency Financial Manager” to be appointed to run the district. This person will have the power to void your contract -- including your salary, health insurance benefits, class sizes, seniority rights, and any other provisions. There is also discussion that the EFM would abe given the power to make academic and curriculum changes to a school district, regardless of their knowledge or qualifications in that area.

MEA strongly opposes the bills. However, they would support some safe guards being added to the bills:
• Prior to the termination of all or parts of a contract, there must be a "good faith" negotiation period lasting 60 days, during which time the bargaining agent for the employees and the employer or emergency financial manager must try to settle any issues.
• If a contract, or parts of a contract, is/are terminated, there must be a court appeals process to determine if there was due process for the termination.
• Do NOT give the emergency financial manager the power to consolidate local units of government or school districts, including the power to put such a question on the ballot.
• An emergency financial manager for school districts must have both financial and academic qualifications. Without such qualifications, an emergency financial manager should not be granted the broad academic powers the bill currently provides.
• Remove the section from the bill amending the Public Employment Relations Act. As the legislation is currently written, future labor contracts would have to include a clause that provides automatic termination of the contract if an emergency financial manager is appointed at any time.

Please, DO NOT BE COMPLACENT!!! With Governor Snyder’s proposed budget cuts, many schools districts are on the verge of having deficit spending! This could easily happen to all schools in Michigan within the next two years!

This law will also affect State employees who are represented by unions. The State of Michigan is already projected to be billions of dollars in the red. If this law passes, the state employee unions will be the first to suffer, but not the last.

In my own personal opinion, our State and union employees are in the VERY SAME DANGER that Wisconsin unionized workers are in. The difference? It appears Michigan will pass the same anti-union laws piece-by-piece rather than propose it in one giant proposal as Wisconsin’s governor has.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, thousands of union employees, including some WLEA members, were in Lansing protesting this legislation as it was being discussed in the House. IT WAS STILL PASSED BY THE HOUSE ON WEDNESDAY.

We CAN NOT SIT BACK and wait! Everyone must call or write! Some of our members have already called today and have been told that their legislator will not vote in favor of the bill. However, we need more REPUBLICANS to commit to a NO vote for this legislation to be stopped!

Here are the Senators to target!
Please use your cell or home phones and your home email accounts!
7 Patrick Colbeck R-Canton Twp. 517-373-7350
SenPColbeck@senate.michigan.gov

10 Tory Rocca R-Sterling Heights 517-373-7315
SenTRocca@senate.michigan.gov

15 Mike Kowall R-White Lake Twp. 517-373-1758
SenMKowall@senate.michigan.gov

22 Joe Hune R-Hamburg Twp. 517-373-2420
SenJHune@senate.michigan.gov

SAMPLE LETTER or Script: The Emergency Financial Manager bill is a violation of a person's democratic rights. It wipes out elected school boards and city councils, voiding all contracts including collective bargaining agreements. Elected officials should not vote to approve legislation that allows the will of the people to be overturned. The legislature should also provide adequate funding to cities, townships and schools so they are not viewed as causing the take over of the public's voted representatives at the local level.

Wednesday Legislation Report for OHIO & MICHIGAN

Today Ohio’s State Senate passed a bill 17-16 that drastically reduces the bargaining rights of unionized public workers. Six Republicans crossed party lines to vote against the bill. The bill will affect about 350,000 teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public employees.

The Ohio bill would ban strikes by public workers and establish penalties for those who do participate in walkouts. Unionized workers could negotiate wages, hours and certain work conditions but not health care, sick time or pension benefits. The measure would do away with automatic pay raises and base future wage increases on merit.
The bill now moves to Ohio’s House of Representatives, and is then expected to go to the Ohio governor who has already indicated his support for the bill.

Ohio’s State Senate President calls the bill “fair” and “balanced”. These words should alarm MICHIGAN TEACHERS as they are words that Governor Snyder uses to describe his proposals. Truly, the meaning of the word “fair” is very subjective.

What is fair? Isn’t it fair that teachers be allowed to bargain their health care, sick time and pension benefits? Is “fair” basing a teacher’s wage increases on merit? Who defines what merit is if a state senate requires wages be based on “merit”. Again, I don’t want government defining what merit is for teachers because they are not in schools, and they are not trained educators. If we have to deal with merit pay as teachers (which we DO because of Race to the Top laws),we should be able to negotiate what merit entails.

TODAY IN MICHIGAN (Wednesday, March 2, 2011):
Lt. Gov. Calley told a legislative panel that taxing pensions is “all about fairness”. There’s that “word” again. What is fair?

A Senate panel worked on the Emergency Manager package and it is expected to move to the floor of the Senate. This bill gives broad powers to Emergency Managers when a township, city, or school goes bankrupt. Among other things, the appointed Emergency Manager could totally eradicate any bargained contract in effect. The bill was approved by the Michigan House last Wednesday. (That’s what the rally was about last Tuesday and Wednesday)
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IMPORTANT: The House Education Committee, headed by Bill Rogers from Brighton, voted 12-7 (along party lines) to report out HB 4152. This bill freezes teachers’ salaries and benefit levels during contract negotiations. Our local legislator, Lisa Brown, is also on this committee. She is a Democrat and presumably voted against it since it was reported that the vote followed party lines.

Educators in Michigan need to stay alert and be prepared to educate our legislators and governor regarding what is fair. Governor Snyder says he doesn't want to do what the Wisconsin governor is doing, but there are many different roads to restricted bargaining rights. Now is not a time for complacency.