March 1, 2011. Comprehensive roundup of news related to UFF/FEA and the most recent information on proposed legislation impacting Florida public employees

(February 28, 2011)

IN THIS ISSUE

» Son of SB 6 will get early Senate action

» The attacks on unions grow stronger

» Senate takes some sting out of pension bill

» News from our locals

» More resources available on the web

» Let us know about your rallies and events

»     A glimpse at the news

»   SB 736 will be up early when session starts

SB 736 — the so-called teacher quality bill — has been heard by all Senate committees of reference and has been placed on the 2011 Senate calendar for Wednesday, March 9.  Tell everyone you know to call or write their senator and tell him/her that this bill is flawed and needs to be fixed and funded. SB 736 will dramatically increase standardized testing of students, costing hundreds of millions in tax dollars, without a way to pay for them, link teacher evaluations and pay to student performance on FCAT and similar tests, subject ALL new teachers to be fired without ANY explanation or just cause, and prohibit local school boards from even considering many advanced degrees and special training when determining a teacher’s level of pay. The House version has a number now: HB 7019.

Read more about it in the latest edition of FEA Frontline: http://feaweb.org/frontline-report.

What’s ahead for teachers?
http://www.tampabay.com/news/whats-ahead-for-teachers/1153247

Lawmakers to take up decisive education issues during session
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/23/2080681/lawmakers-to-take-up-decisive.html

GOP’s reform push stirs rivals
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/gops-reform-push-stirs-rivals-1284229.html

Changes in teacher pay, tenure are coasting through House
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/changes-in-teacher-pay-tenure-are-coasting-through-florida-house/1153482
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/24/teacher-pay-overhaul-moving-forward/news-politics/
http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2011-02-23/senate-house-advance-merit-pay-bills
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/02/23/2979062/changes-loom-for-teacher-evaluations.html

Thrasher’s actions on education bill angers opponents
http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2011-02-24/story/florida-senators-action-state-education-bill-angers-opponents

FEA study looks into teacher performance pay
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/performance-pay-plan-florida-bills-not-good-enough-florida-education-association-says
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2011/02/fea-criticizes-fl-lawmakers-merit-pay-bills.html
http://www.wtxl.com/content/localnews/story/FEA-study-looks-into-teacher-performance-pay/oXiW1uINNUeRsLuXaA3WnA.cspx
http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=2420&DateTime=2%2F23%2F2011+6%3A36%3A04+AM&Term=Florida+Education+Association&PlayClip=TRUE
http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=2420&DateTime=2%2F23%2F2011+4%3A41%3A55+AM&Term=Florida+Education+Association&PlayClip=TRUE

Wise’s op-ed in favor of SB 736 (also ran in The Tampa Tribune; response in the works)
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/letters-readers/2011-02-25/story/guest-column-bill-aims-reward-teachers-boost-students

Experts see perils in Hillsborough’s teacher evaluation plan
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/experts-see-perils-in-hillsboroughs-teacher-evaluation-plans/1154222

Method for improvement lies in local school system
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110227/COLUMNISTS0207/102270315/1179/COLUMNISTS0207/Matt-Reed-Look-Cocoa-not-capitol-fix-public-schools

Florida teacher pay dropping to 47^th in the nation
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/26/National-Education-Association-SB736-teacher-pay/

The “three great teachers in a row” myth
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/teachers/stopping-the-three-great-teach.html

How teacher development could revolutionize our schools (from education expert Bill Gates)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/27/AR2011022702876.html

“Can you explain to me how it is that we should give tax cuts to the most profitable corporations in this state on the backs of our schoolchildren?”
— Duval County School Board Chairman W.C. Gentry
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/gops-reform-push-stirs-rivals-1284229.html

»   Anti-union bills sprouting at the Capitol

The House companion to Sen. John Thrasher’s SB 830 — the Union Gag Bill– has been filed.  HB 1021 sponsored by Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow, is identical to the senate version.  As of yet, the bills have not been placed on committee agendas… stay tuned.  As you may recall, these bills take away the right of members to have their dues automatically deducted from their paychecks by the school district.

More ugly anti-education union bills were filed Friday:  HB 1023 by Rep. Scott Plakon, R- Longwood, and HB 1025 by Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford.  Although we have not fully analyzed the bills, here’s what we see at first glance:

·         HB 1023 will require recertification of a local union, as bargaining agent, that has a membership less than 50 percent of the potential bargaining unit membership by July 1 or the certification of the bargaining unit will be revoked. The bill does not apply to law enforcement officers or firefighters.

·         HB 1025 will allow the members of a union to decertify the union as bargaining agent at any time. It requires union leaders to notify members of this right each year.
Read more about it in the latest edition of FEA Frontline: http://feaweb.org/frontline-report.

Union dues in cross hairs of Thrasher bill
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/union-dues-crosshairs-john-thrasher-bill
http://mms.tveyes.com/Transcript.asp?StationID=1990&DateTime=2%2F22%2F2011+5%3A18%3A55+PM&Term=Florida+Education+Association&PlayClip=TRUE
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/27/peltier-column-unions-crosshairs-session-looms/

Legislators shouldn’t back political vendetta against unions
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-war-on-unions-20110223,0,2633012.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/26/2086721/waiting-for-gov-rick-scott-to.html
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-mike-thomas-public-unions-022711-20110227,0,1932503.column

Scott now says he’d like collective bargaining removed from the Florida Constitution
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/gov-rick-scott-now-says-hed-like-collective-bargaining-removed-from/1153974

»   Public-employee tax gets smaller in Senate pension bill

On Thursday, Senate Governmental and Accountability Committee chair, Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, held a workshop on SB 1130 – the FRS reform bill.  The bill — as it is currently written — would require employees to contribute 2 percent of their salaries toward their pensions.

The committee took two hours of testimony and discussed proposed amendments, which will be considered when the committee meets after the legislative session begins March 8.

Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg, has been working with FEA and Pinellas CTA along with other public employee unions to protect the FRS system.  “I feel strongly that there are many people who work for government for the pension they are going to get,” Latvala said. “It’s important to keep that path open for them.”

Read more about it in the latest edition of FEA Frontline: http://feaweb.org/frontline-report.

Lawmakers backing away from Scott’s stringent pension plans
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/24/2084194/florida-senate-committee-modifies.html
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-pension-reform-slowing-20110223,0,506055.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/22/2080200/senate-agrees-to-loosen-its-pension.html
http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/Latvala_5_Percent_Ante_Too_High_for_State_Pension_116884388.html

1974 pension document shows how state benefited from switch away from employee contributions
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/1974-pension-document-shows-how-state-benefited-switch-away-employee-contributions

Associated Industries leader takes aim at state’s pension plan
http://floridacapitalnews.com/article/20110225/CAPITOLNEWS/102250327&theme=

FRS: A “ticking time bomb” or rock solid?
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/27/florida-retirement-system-legislature-pension-FRS/

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110228/COLUMNIST03/102280304/Bill-Cotterell-When-is-under-funded-not-under-funded-

»   News from our locals

• On Thursday night in Leon County, nearly 300 teachers, interns and school administrators gathered at a “High Tech Teacher Town Hall” to engage in a discussion of the proposed legislation aimed at teacher quality and pension reform, as well as the governor’s budget. The event was sponsored by Leon NBCTs/Leon County Schools and widely advertised and supported by Leon CTA. Guest panelists were state Reps. Dwight Bullard, Alan Williams and Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda. Questions and comments were received from the live audience as well as from posts on LCS Facebook and Twitter. A transcript of all questions and comments will be furnished to the Legislature for further responses. Superintendent Jackie Pons spoke briefly about the challenges the legislation and the budget will pose for school districts.  Our local legislators issued a call to action asking us to continuously call and write our legislators during the session as well as focus efforts to speak to members of our local Chamber of Commerce to ask them if they support this legislation and then let them know how our reduced wages will impact their businesses.Leon teachers forum and community conversation
  http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/Leon_County_Teachers_Attend__116893013.html
• The Association of Bay County Educators (ABCE) held a general membership meeting Tuesday night. They discussed what ABCE does for the members, benefits, legislative updates and had a Q&A time. They passed out surveys to find out what their members would like from ABCE and also kicked off a membership drive with cash incentives to help improve density. At this time they are at 55 percent and would be happy if they can get another 10%. They are also trying to update our member’s personal information.

• Santa Rosa sent out more than 2,000 flyers last week titled “There Are Many Legislative Issues Affecting Your Future!” The flyer invites all bargaining unit members and community stakeholders to Escambia’s Red Flag Rally today. On the back of the flyer are SRPE membership applications — with the heading Help Us Help You!

»   More resources on the FEA website
In the Resource site for staff and leaders on the web, we have added a few new documents. The first two are PowerPoints that have been converted to PDF for local leaders and staff to download. They are in the Practical Tools section of the resource page. Once you log-in to the section you can click the bookmark for Practical Tools at the top of the page. It will take you to the area where you can click the links to download the documents.

Using the Media to Win Public Support

Communicate with Power

Turning an Issue Into a Campaign

News from States Fighting Anti-Public Employee Attacks

»   We continue to update the list of rallies and events
Thanks to everyone who responded with info on the rallies you and your members will be participating in over the next couple of weeks. We’ve posted the list on the FEA website (http://feaweb.org/solidarity-events-rally-in-support-of-teachers-and-public-employees) and will continue to update frequently.

If you and your local are participating in a rally or event not listed there, please send me a message with the details and such as soon as you can. Please include a local website or contact if anyone has further information.  If details of the event change, please let us know that as well.

Once you participate in an event, please take the time to write me a message with a few details and include pictures of the event.

»   News you should know
Here are some other stories from the past few days that you might find of interest:

With eye on Wisconsin, Florida teachers gear up for rallies
http://floridacapitalnews.com/article/20110227/CAPITOLNEWS/302270019&theme=

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/with-eye-on-wisconsin-florida-teachers-gear-up-for-rallies/1152921
http://floridacapitalnews.com/article/20110222/CAPITOLNEWS/102220318&theme=
http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/story.aspx?storyid=176269&catid=250
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/pasco-teachers-join-statewide-protest-sb-736
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/24/local-teachers-plan-rallies-to-have-their-voices-h/news-politics/
http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/local-activists-mobilze-022111

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18685-1

Kim Black with Neil Cavuto
http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/4550670

Scott: Florida could see Wisconsin-style protests (also says public employees are compensated too well in Florida)
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/23/governor-florida-could-see-wisconsin-style-protest/
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2011/02/gov-scotts-evolving-position-on-florida-labor-law.html
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49984.html

TABOR proposal would endanger education, safety and infrastructure
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103316066537-131/CBPP+SJR+958+2.22.11.pdf
http://floridaindependent.com/22376/study-raises-concerns-over-state-revenue-cap
http://www.dailymarion.com/2011/02/21/%e2%80%9csmart-cap%e2%80%9d-or-%e2%80%9cdunce-cap%e2%80%9d-reinventing-epic-failure/
http://westorlandonews.com/2011/02/23/how-far-can-florida-fall/
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2011/02/23/florida-legislature-to-put-tabor-on-the-ballot-next-year/
http://floridaindependent.com/22599/mike-haridopolos-under-modified-revenue-cap-lawmakers-would-have-flexibility
http://floridaindependent.com/22666/tabor-style-revenue-cap-ready-for-final-florida-senate-vote

Don’t jump on the TABOR bandwagon
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/21/2080087/dont-jump-on-this-bandwagon.html

Parent group pans Senate plan to ease class-size goals
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/parent-group-pans-florida-senate-plan-ease-class-size-restrictions

An interview with Rep. Marti Coley
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/weekend-interview-rep-marti-coley-chair-florida-house-pre-k-12-appropriations-committee

Lawmakers weigh 15 percent cut to state universities
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/27/fgcu-budget-state-university-15-percent-tuition/

Scott’s goals are known, his strategy isn’t
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_XGR_GOVERNOR_SCOTT_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-02-27-07-00-34
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/state/os-rick-scott-legislature-20110225,0,7068867.story

Marching in lockstep
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article1153757.ece

Damaged by term limits
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article1153645.ece

Florida fights to keep public voice in public policy
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3157

Dade schools chief: Don’t cut education
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/25/2085117/dade-schools-chief-dont-cut-education.html

State and local budget cuts are slowing U.S. economy
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_BROKEN_BUDGETS_ECONOMY_STATE_CUTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Report: Many Florida kids too hungry to learn
http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/18649-1

Scott’s budget targets our most vulnerable
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-scott-maxwell-rick-scott-faith-02220110225,0,3085934.column

Stargel says parental responsibility bill won’t mean more work for teachers
http://www.theledger.com/article/20110223/NEWS/102235055/1078/YOURTOWN21?Title=Stargel-Says-Parental-Responsibility-Bill-Won-t-Mean-More-Work-For-Teachers

Innovation needed to secure educational progress (Patricia Levesque pushes vouchers for all)
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/guest-columns/2011/02/27/innovation-needed-to-secure-educational-progress.html

Senate GOP sets campaign pledges up for early votes when session begins
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/senate-gop-sets-campaign-pledges-up-for-early-1276547.html

Test-maker Pearson replaces faulty FCAT cover sheets
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/testing/testmaker-pearson-replaces-faulty-fcats-missing-cover-sheets/1153508

School bus ads on the agenda
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110223/NEWS0104/110222063/1006/

Jacksonville rally galvanizes opposition to education funding cuts
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-02-21/story/jacksonville-rally-galvanizes-opposition-education-funding-cuts

Report shows Duval’s lowest-performing schools have more novice teachers
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2011-02-23/story/report-shows-duvals-lowest-performing-schools-have-more-novice-teachers

Keeping young teachers a tough assignment
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/flagler/2011/02/23/keeping-young-teachers-a-tough-assignment.html

After scathing grand jury report, what’s next for Broward Schools?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-grand-jury-qa-20110221,0,1946578.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/22/2080216/broward-schools-chief-accepts.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-schools-meeting222-20110223,0,5939659.story
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-grand-jury0224-20110224,0,57428.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/25/2089243/broward-school-board-routinely.html

Palm Beach superintendent steps down
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-art-johnson-deadline-day-20110221,0,7476920.story
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/interim-superintendent-starts-early-to-fill-spot-at-1273974.html

Layoffs likely, Palm Beach schools official says
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-budget-palm-schools-20110223,0,7059576.story

Students prep for next generation FCAT
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/02/24/students-prep-for-next-generation-fcat.html
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110227/NEWS01/102270322/-1/news0207/Exams-retooled-high-schools

UF ranked No. 3 for value among public universities
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110222/ARTICLES/110229854/1002/news01?Title=UF-ranked-No-3-for-value-among-public-universities

UF president proposes 30 percent tuition hike
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110224/ARTICLES/110229687/1002/news01?Title=Machen-proposes-30-percent-tuition-hike&tc=ar

Enrollment rises at Florida public universities
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/22/221408/enrollment-on-the-rise-at-florida-public-universit/

Evers backs guns on college campuses
http://www.pnj.com/article/20110223/NEWS01/102230326/Evers-backs-guns-on-college-campuses
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/doctors-fight-nra-while-guns-on-campus-bill-1273940.html

Why America’s teachers are enraged
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/20/ravitch.teachers.blamed/index.html

Poll: 61 percent oppose limiting union bargaining power
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-02-22-poll-public-unions-wisconsin_N.htm

Republican governors strike hard at unions
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49852.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/26/AR2011022603971.html

Political fight over unions escalates
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-wisconsin-unions-20110228,0,5205116.story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/28/AR2011022800543.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-wisconsin-protests-20110227,0,3378088.story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/26/AR2011022603508.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022507027.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/24/AR2011022402083.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/us/25states.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/us/23ohio.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022205139.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703800204576158851079665840.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-wisconsin-governor-20110222,0,1879939.story
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/21/wisconsin-protests-_n_826246.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158745/what-democracy-looks-wisconsin-largest-crowd-yet-80000-opposes-union-busting

Starving Wisconsin’s unions
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/21/AR2011022103778.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158776/wisconsins-political-crisis-good-deal-more-serious-its-fiscal-crisis

In Wisconsin, the real struggle is over power
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/21/AR2011022104415.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/opinion/21krugman.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-b-dean/wisconsin-shows-need-to-m_b_826376.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022203412.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-rutten-wisconsin-unions-20110223,0,970563.column
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-0225-labor-analysis-20110225,0,4640305.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-0226-wisconsin-brethren-20110226,0,4601350.story
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/busting-unions-will-wake-sleeping-giant-local-boss-1282603.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/27/AR2011022702867.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/us/28unions.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/27/AR2011022703945.html

The future of public education, as much as unions, is at stake in Wisconsin
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158754/future-public-education-much-unions-stake-wisconsin

Supporters across the country rally for Wisconsin workers
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3152

Union leader minces no words
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/us/23beil.html

Billionaire brothers’ money plays role in Wisconsin dispute
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/us/22koch.html

Wisconsin governor urging others to take stands against unions
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/23/AR2011022307100.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/25/AR2011022503021.html

Bill targeting unions could cost Wisconsin federal funds
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/22/walker-unions-wisconsin-protests_n_826908.html

AFL-CIO polls show Wisconsin supports protesters
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-wisconsin-union-20110223,0,271503.story
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/22/wiscon-polls-oppose-walker_n_826359.html

Where are the workers voices?
http://www.fair.org/blog/2011/02/25/where-are-the-workers-voices/
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/opinion/26herbert.html

Wisconsin GOP plans to work without Democrats
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/us/22wisconsin.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/politics/24exiles.html

Wisconsin is only part of the GOP war against unions
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/22/AR2011022205852.html

No unions: Government by the rich, for the rich
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/23/berstein.labor.unions/index.html
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/6950/as_labor_goes_so_goes_the_nation

Public servants or public enemies? Why their union fight matters to you
http://www.dailymarion.com/2011/02/24/public-servants-or-public-enemies-why-their-union-fight-matters-to-you/

Weingarten urges dismissal overhaul
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3160
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/education/25teacher.html

A tale of two governors
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3163

Weingarten: A tale of two cities
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randi-weingarten/a-tale-of-two-cities_3_b_826234.html

School officials, teachers unions scrutinize Obama’s education agenda
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/16/AR2011021602142.html
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/race-to-the-top/the-irony-of-obamas-help-for-w.html
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2011/02/advocates_pushback_against_pro.html

Obama sits out state fights
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704520504576162820767202248.html

Leaving children behind
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/opinion/28krugman.html

Indiana fights back against anti-union proposals
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3153
http://www.wthitv.com/dpp/news/indiana/ind-senate-oks-bill-limiting-teacher-contracts
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-educationbills-pr,0,4778622.story

Ohioans turn out in force to protest anti-union bill
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3156

Utah House passes bill to stop districts for paying teachers on union leave
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home/51300735-76/districts-bill-teachers-union.html.csp

Bill would give Utah governor control of public schools
http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/feb/23/bill-would-give-utah-governor-control-of-public-ed-ar-862505/

Crowds protest plan to close Newark schools, replace them with charters
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/crowds_protest_plan_to_close_n.html

Don’t throw in the  towel on public education, New Jersey
http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2011/02/new_jersey_dont_throw_the_towe.html

Where the Newark mayor is getting money for his charter plan
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/cory_booker_discloses_43m_in_p.html
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/02/acting_nj_education_chief_cerf.html

Unionists rally in Montana to denounce budget cuts
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3155

Providence plans to pink slip all teachers
http://www.projo.com/education/content/providence_teacher_layoffs_02-23-11_MCML6R3_v17.1a1cc6d.html
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3159
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/26/us/26providence.html

Proposal would change due process system in Oklahoma
http://newsok.com/proposal-would-change-teacher-due-process-system-in-oklahoma/article/3543085
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-senate-panel-oks-changes-to-teacher-firings/article/3542729

Wyoming House changes tenure provision for teachers
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2011/02/23/ap-state-wy/wy_xgr_education_reform.txt

Ohio teachers unions oppose boosting retirement share
http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/22/copy/teachers-unions-oppose-boosting-retirement-share.html

Michigan activists question governor’s budget priorities
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3162

Idaho “reform” bills spark outcry
http://www.idahopress.com/news/article_41165342-40b4-11e0-a6b3-001cc4c03286.html
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/25/1541391/school-reforms-clear-hurdle.html
http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=14082888

Business lobby paid for education reform town hall
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/02/23/1538335/big-business-latest-to-join-school.html
http://www.khq.com/Global/story.asp?S=14084038

NYSUT spends a million in support of “millionaires tax”
http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/albany/blog/2011/02/nysut-spends-a-million-in-support-of.html

Compton school board rejects parent trigger effort
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0223-compton-school-20110223,0,7650458.story

Court won’t let Connecticut challenge NCLB law
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2014299611_apussupremecourtnochildleftbehind.html
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/school_law/2011/02/justices_decline_to_hear_nclb.html

Agriculture commissioner moves to take over school nutrition programs
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/os-putnam-school-cafeteria-takeover-020110222,0,4426484.story
http://fltrib.com/agriculture-commissioner-moves-take-over-school-nutrition-programs

Ravitch knocks reforms in schools, standardized testing
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/education/article_ed891771-3060-58cc-91cf-b6ce75bcff60.html

Would you advise your child to become a teacher?
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/commentary/commentary-would-you-advise-your-child-to-become-1267324.html

Chicago charter says it’s private to avoid unionization, though it gets millions in tax dollars
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-met-charter-school-fight-0222-20110221,0,3420339.story

Friedman Foundation continues to promote flawed Florida research
http://nepc.colorado.edu/files/TTR-HeritageFla-Chatterji.pdf

Texas governor calls Bush’s education mandates “nuts”
http://blog.mysanantonio.com/texas-on-the-potomac/2011/02/bush-whacking-rick-perry-says-ex-presidential-education-mandates-nuts/

Reforming Florida’s tax structure could produce revenue to meet needs
http://www.fcfep.org/attachments/20110225–Potential%20Revenue%20from%20Tax%20Modernizationfinal.pdf

Local businesses suffer with Internet tax break
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/os-scott-maxwell-sales-tax-022311-20110222,0,2971971.column
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2011/02/cannon-on-internet-sales-tax-complicated-issue-probably-for-feds.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+news%2Flocal%2Fnamesblog+%28Taking+Names+the+Blog%29

Florida deadly for kids at risk
http://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-deadly-for-kids-at-risk/1154239

Bill cutting unemployment benefits advances
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/careers/ask-marcia/sfl-unemployment-benefits-bill-adances,0,1010822.story

Lawmakers poised to privatize Medicaid statewide
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_XGR_MEDICAID_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-02-28-05-01-01

Progress Florida: Nelson’s left-jabbing fist (conservative news service hatchet job)
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/progress-florida-bill-nelsons-left-jabbing-fist

Scott wants to bring “return on investment” to state agencies
http://floridacapitalnews.com/article/20110222/CAPITOLNEWS/110222002

How the Chamber of Commerce darkens the sky
http://www.thenation.com/article/158791/how-chamber-commerce-darkens-skies

Florida may face showdown over early 2012 presidential primary
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/28/florida-may-face-showdown-over-early-2012-primary/news-politics/

“Button Lady” Sherry Knight dies
http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/east-volusia/2011/02/22/button-lady-sherry-knight-dies-at-65-in-hospice.html

Millions will join NEA’s Read Across America celebration March 2
http://www.nea.org/home/42623.htm

“I have often heard union critics complain that contracts are too long, too detailed, too prescriptive. I have noticed that unions don’t write their own contracts. There are always two sides that negotiate a contract and that sign it. If administration is so weak that it signs a contract that is bad for kids, bad for the district’s finances, or bad for education, then shame on them. The fight in Wisconsin now is whether public sector unions should have any power to bargain at all. The fight is not restricted to Wisconsin; it is taking place in many other states, including New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, and elsewhere. The battle has already been lost in other states. I have been wondering if advocates of corporate school reform, such as Bill Gates, Eli Broad, and Michelle Rhee will come to the aid of the teachers in Wisconsin. I have been wondering if President Obama and Secretary Duncan, who were quick to applaud the firing of teachers in Central Falls, Rhode Island, will now step forward to support the teachers in Wisconsin. I have been wondering if Secretary Duncan, who only a few days earlier had led a much-publicized national conversation in Denver about the importance of collaboration between unions and management, will weigh in to support the teachers. I am ever hopeful, but will take care not to hold my breath. If there is no organized force to advocate for public education in the state capitols of this nation, our children and our schools will suffer. That’s the bottom line. And that’s why I stand with the teachers of Wisconsin.”
— Diane Ravitch.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/diane-ravitch/ravitch-why-should-teachers-ha.html

“In the private sector, just 6.9 percent of workers belong to a union. But among public-sector workers, 36.2 percent are union members — and if you look only at state and local government workers, 42.3 percent are unionized. So if Republicans wanted to weaken the Democratic Party by destroying its most important source of big-money support, they would try to crush public-sector unions at the state and local levels. That’s what the Wisconsin fight is really about. That’s why Walker won’t settle for budget-balancing concessions. He wants to eliminate the greatest benefit that unions can give their members — collective bargaining — and also, by the way, make it much harder to collect union dues. He wants to starve the unions to death. This is pure, unadulterated union-busting — not with goons and brickbats, but with the stroke of a scheming governor’s pen.”
— Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/21/AR2011022104247.html