I have also included a link to an article written by MIRS News Agency that explains yesterday's happenings in the legislature in more detail.
CLICK HERE FOR MIRS News Article
Message from MEA President Steve Cook
Dear MEA local presidents, board members and staff,
Using bullying tactics to try to enforce a law that doesn't yet exist, Republican-led House subcommittees today passed symbolic appropriations bills that would cut funding for school districts and universities that bargain "fair share" contracts prior to the so-called "right-to-work" law's taking effect on March 28.
The bills stand at a very early stage in the budget process – they are not expected to pass the full House and Senate, but rather serve as a form of political saber-rattling by political extremists bent on intimidating school districts and universities.
The House Appropriations School Aid Subcommittee voted to eliminate 22j performance grants and 22i technology and infrastructure grants for school districts that approve fair share contract extensions or agreements between Dec. 10, 2012, and March 28, 2013, unless those districts can show that the renegotiated agreements will result in at least 10 percent in savings.
The House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, meanwhile, voted to cut funding by 15 percent for universities that bargain fair share agreements with their employees.
Republicans in the Legislature are using threats, intimidation and bullying tactics to interfere with legal contract negotiations between school districts, universities and employees. It's time politicians stop their big-government witch hunt and allow employers and employees to bargain in good faith.
Dear MEA local presidents, board members and staff,
Using bullying tactics to try to enforce a law that doesn't yet exist, Republican-led House subcommittees today passed symbolic appropriations bills that would cut funding for school districts and universities that bargain "fair share" contracts prior to the so-called "right-to-work" law's taking effect on March 28.
The bills stand at a very early stage in the budget process – they are not expected to pass the full House and Senate, but rather serve as a form of political saber-rattling by political extremists bent on intimidating school districts and universities.
The House Appropriations School Aid Subcommittee voted to eliminate 22j performance grants and 22i technology and infrastructure grants for school districts that approve fair share contract extensions or agreements between Dec. 10, 2012, and March 28, 2013, unless those districts can show that the renegotiated agreements will result in at least 10 percent in savings.
The House Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee, meanwhile, voted to cut funding by 15 percent for universities that bargain fair share agreements with their employees.
Republicans in the Legislature are using threats, intimidation and bullying tactics to interfere with legal contract negotiations between school districts, universities and employees. It's time politicians stop their big-government witch hunt and allow employers and employees to bargain in good faith.
