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.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
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
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
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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.
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!!!!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
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."
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."
Monday, March 7, 2011
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
