February 21, 2011. Comprehensive roundup of news related to UFF/FEA and the most recent information on proposed legislation impacting Florida public employees
IN THIS ISSUE
» Come tell lawmakers about SB 736
» Not much of a chance to talk about pensions
» Labor flexes its muscles in Wisconsin, nationwide
» The report from our locals
» A course on negotiating and writing contract language
» A glimpse at the news
» Come tell lawmakers how SB 736 will hurt student learning
SB 736, a.k.a. the Son of SB 6, will have public hearings this Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the Florida Capitol. The Senate hearing is from 9 a.m. to noon in the Knott Building, Room 412, and the House hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m. but we believe the bill be heard from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Morris Hall in the House Office Building. Educators need to fill the hearing room to make sure lawmakers know how this bill hurts the teaching profession and hinders our ability to reach our students.
SB 736 would remove due process for all new teachers and tie teacher evaluations based upon 50 percent of student test scores, while doesn’t provide the support needed to improve teaching and learning.
For more on this issue, and others, check out the FEA Frontline Report: http://www.passingnotes.net/index.php?showtopic=1154
House unveils its teacher quality bill
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/florida-house-unveils-its-teacher-quality-bill
2+2=5 … SB 736 doesn’t add up
http://m.examiner.com/exMiami/db_/contentdetail.htm;jsessionid=C51CDCCE58563819A7EE573775DE1E8D?contentguid=UPPP4jP0&full=true#display
Florida teacher salaries fall to No. 37 and appear to be sinking fast
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/florida-teacher-salaries-headed-to-no-47-in-the-nation/1152211
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/florida-teacher-salaries-fall-no-37-and-appear-be-sinking-fast
» Running the clock out on pensions
The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability committee, chaired by Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, held a four-hour public hearing Friday on pension bills SB 1128 and SB 1130.. After hearing three-and-a-half hours of emotional testimony on the local pension bill – SB 1128– from firefighters and police officers. And with 30 minutes left on the clock, Ring began taking testimony on SB 1130 – the FRS reform bill. Frustration from the audience was palatable – folks had driven and waited for hours to have their turn to speak before the committee only to be rushed along or skipped entirely. Sensing the rising rancor in the room, Ring promised that he will allow additional time for public comment on SB 1130 next Thursday, February 24. Only one of the 11 FEA members who travelled from around the state to join us in Tallahassee was allowed to present testimony. Read more about this disappointing exercise in democracy in the FEA Frontline Report: http://www.passingnotes.net/index.php?showtopic=1154
Senate rolls out its pension revamp
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/16/2070636/top-lawmaker-proposes-moderate.html
http://www.theledger.com/article/20110216/NEWS/102165056/1003/NEWS01?Title=Senate-Rolls-Out-City-State-Pension-Revamp
In pension debate, “don’t pad the tab”
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/18/PMEOPINO2-in-pension-debate-dont-pad-the-tab/
Dozens tell senators to leave their pensions alone
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/fl-pension-reform-hearing-20110218,0,1989207.story
http://westorlandonews.com/2011/02/18/police-fire-officials-blast-pension-bills/
Haridopolos: “Superior” state worker benefits need to be brought in line
http://fltrib.com/senate-president-superior-state-worker-benefits-need-be-brought-line
Scott’s health insurance proposal would hit state workers’ hard
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20110217/CAPITOLNEWS/102170314/Scott-s-health-insurance-proposal-would-hit-state-workers-wallets-hard-
http://www.healthnewsflorida.org/top_story/read/state_workers_retirees_face_hike_in_premiums
Pick pockets, fire state workers are key to GOP budget plan
http://www.dailymarion.com/2011/02/17/pick-pockets-fire-state-workers-key-to-republican-budget-plan/
http://www.dailymarion.com/2011/02/20/florida-chamber-jobs-agenda-is-more-greed-creed/
School leaders fear impact of Scott’s budget proposal
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/15/school-leaders-fear-impact-of-scotts-budget-propos/news-politics/
http://keysnews.com/node/29897
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-usreport-us-usa-politre71e10q-20110215,0,3845795.story
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/editorials/2011-02-16/story/state-budget-scott-stirs-pot
Worst-case scenario for education is 20,000 layoffs in Florida
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110220/ARTICLES/110229970/1002/news01?Title=Worst-case-scenario-for-education-is-20-000-layoffs-in-Florida
Weingarten uses Obama budget to bash Scott
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/brandon-larrabee/2011-02-14/national-teachers-union-prez-uses-obama-budget-bash
» Labor action kicking into gear in Wisconsin, nationwide
The actions in Wisconsin electrified many of us this past week and the fight there – and throughout the nation continues. There’s plenty of information out there about Wisconsin, other states and action here in Florida.
If you would like to lend your support through Facebook, please update your Facebook status to:
“Today I stand with the teachers, nurses, and all public employees of Wisconsin who are fighting for their rights. If you do too, change this to your status for the rest of the day.”
And encourage others to do the same.
Below are some reports from the past few days:
With eye on Wisconsin, Florida teachers gear up for rallies
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/with-eye-on-wisconsin-florida-teachers-planning-similar-rallies-in/1152921
Wisconsin leads the way as workers fight state cuts
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/us/politics/19states.html
http://www.tampabay.com/incoming/70000-protesters-join-wisconsin-budget-fight/1152788
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-union-power-20110219,0,7936885.story
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021807386.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158740/jesse-jackson-tells-50000-wisconsin-martin-luther-king-moment
Unions aren’t to blame for Wisconsin’s budget
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2011/02/unions_arent_to_blame_for_wisc.html
http://www.epi.org/page/-/old/policy/EPI_PolicyMemorandum_173.pdf
Wisconsin is a battleground against the billionaire Kochs’ plan to break labor
http://www.alternet.org/news/149965/wisconsin_is_a_battleground_against_the_billionaire_kochs%27_plan_to_break_labor%27s_back/
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-02-20/wisconsin-union-fight-is-really-a-15-state-gop-power-grab/
Wall Street villains untouched as Wisconsin governor beats up teachers
http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/02/18/wall-street-villains-escape-while-wis-s-walker-beats-up-school-teachers/
Union is the measure
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/20/947294/-Union-is-the-measure
Marching against the middle class
http://www.educationnews.org/commentaries/108171.html
Wisconsin puts Obama between competing desires
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/us/politics/21democrats.html
Many in labor movement frustrated with Obama
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021807480.html
Attend a solidarity rally for Wisconsin’s workers
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3150
Conservative groups lead assault on Tennessee Education Association
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/feb/20/activists-lead-assault-on-tea/
Eskelsen travels to Indiana to kick off fight against anti-public education agenda
http://www.nea.org/home/42562.htm
“Last week I was proud when many of my current and former teammates announced their support for the working families fighting for their rights in Wisconsin. Today I am honored to join with them. Thousands of dedicated Wisconsin public workers provide vital services for Wisconsin citizens. They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. These hardworking people are under an unprecedented attack to take away their basic rights to have a voice and collectively bargain at work. It is an honor for me to play for the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers and be a part of the Green Bay and Wisconsin communities. I am also honored as a member of the NFL Players Association to stand together with working families of Wisconsin and organized labor in their fight against this attempt to hurt them by targeting unions. I hope those leading the attack will sit down with Wisconsin’s public workers and discuss the problems Wisconsin faces, so that together they can truly move Wisconsin forward.”
— Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/14718893/sports-unions-have-a-stake-in-wisconsin-labor-battle
» News from our locals
- Last week, between 900 and 1,000 (by police count) attended the Clay County School Board meeting. Most were teachers and Clay ESP members who came out to support the teachers. People came up and joined the union then and there. Ratification of the teacher contract was the last item on the agenda, but almost everyone stayed. More than two dozen speakers spoke eloquently on the need for the School Board to ratify the contract that was bargained in good faith, that the school board directed the district to bargain. Superintendant spoke for ratification. Two Tea Party folks spoke against ratification. At almost 10 p.m., the School Board voted it down 4-1. Liz Crane of CCEA and Kelly Griffis of CESPA say they will organize around this, and have pledged to re-elect the one Board member who stood with them, and to replace the others, in the next election.
- Membership density is going up, with 50 locals statewide reporting increases in their membership density in the past month. Keep up the good work.
» An opportunity at the National Labor College
Develop effective bargaining strategies and learn to write contract language by taking Negotiating and Writing Contract Language at the National Labor College, April 3-8. Participants in this course will learn how to prepare for contract language bargaining, as well as develop strategy and tactics. Participants will learn the “how-to’s” of writing contract language: defining and analyzing issues, developing proposals, and writing the actual language. In addition, particular kinds of contract language will be examined. Click here for more information and to register. Questions? Email Sharon Simon.
» News you should know
Here are some other stories from the past few days that you might find of interest:
Sparks fly over class-size restrictions
http://fltrib.com/sparks-fly-over-class-size-restrictions
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/17/171457/lawyer-modify-punishment-for-not-meeting-class-siz/life-education/
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/16/lawmakers-tinkering-with-class-size-restrictions/news-politics/
Treasure Coast teachers fear state’s proposed pay, merit legislation
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/feb/17/treasure-coast-teachers-fear-states-proposed-pay/
Manatee schools, unions at odds
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/02/20/2972163/manatee-schools-unions-at-odds.html
Showdown in Clay County over teacher contracts?
http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2011-02-14/story/showdown-clay-county-school-board-over-teacher-contracts
Orange wins Race to the Top money
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-orange-race-to-the-top-grant-20110216,0,7878011.story
More than 300 teachers take to the streets to protest lack of raises
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/three-hundred-plus-teachers-take-to-streets-to-1259449.html
Palm Beach School Board votes to fire superintendent
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/school-superintendent-johnson-must-decide-his-future-by-1270634.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/school-board-votes-6-1-to-fire-johnson-1258690.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-art-johnson-resignation-20110216,0,3452859.story
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/schools/palm-beach-county-board-members-fear-johnson-lawsuit-1264411.html
Manatee looks to trim school budget
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/02/17/2965236/schools-budget-committee-task.html
Class-size rules could bump some Collier students out of challenging courses
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/16/class-size-collier-schools-AP-classes-high-schools/
Broward schools chief defends self, board against grand jury report
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-school-grandjury-follow-20110219,0,5236154.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/19/2075818/grand-jury-report-is-deja-vu-for.html
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-school-board-corruption-20110218,0,6171951.story
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/18/2074314/state-report-abolish-broward-school.html
Flores wants school funding formula scrutinized
http://fltrib.com/senator-wants-school-funding-formula-scrutinized
Board of Governors OKs tuition hike for graduate programs
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20110217/ARTICLES/110219531/1002/news01?Title=Board-of-Governors-OKs-tuition-hike-for-five-UF-graduate-programs
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110217/BREAKINGNEWS/110217009/1195/news13/Board-OKs-tuition-hikes-some-grad-programs-Fla-universities
Why education is not like business
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/02/15/viewpoint-why-education-is-not-like-business/
Proposal in Legislature would reduce unemployment benefits
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/feb/17/florida-legislature-proposal-would-trim-rising/
Proposal to limit state revenues (TABOR) advances through Senate
http://floridaindependent.com/22053/proposal-to-limit-state-revenue-advances-through-senate
http://www.newsserviceflorida.com/cgi/as_web.exe?rev2011+D+1354715
Close Internet sales tax loophole
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/close-internet-sales-tax-loophole/1152459
AFT “Making a Difference Every Day” tour kicks off
http://leadernet.aft.org/news/article_detail.cfm?ArticleID=3146
Teachers, school leaders come together in Denver
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/16/AR2011021602142.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/education/16education.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0217-duncan-unions-20110217,0,6336263.story
http://www.aft.org/newspubs/news/2011/021811collabconf.cfm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/15/AR2011021506180.html
http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2011/02/15/6056845-teachers-school-leaders-come-together-in-denver
Can you support teachers and bash teachers unions? The myths and truths
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/02/15/945308/-Can-you-support-teachers-and-bash-teacher-unions-The-myths-and-truths
A salvage operation for public education
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/guest-bloggers/a-salvage-operation-for-public.html
Once powerful L.A. teachers union loses political muscle
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-teachers-union-20110217,0,3345812.story
Is Michelle Rhee undermining school reform?
http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/magazine83163/Rhee-Education-Reform-Christie
Rhee wrong about student performance
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/politifact-florida-michelle-rhee-right-about-per-pupil-spending-wrong/1152830
Is Oprah the new Florida education guru?
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2011/02/is-oprah-new-florida-education-guru.html
Teach for America column deserves a failing grade
http://www.fair.org/blog/2011/02/15/richard-cohens-teach-for-america-column-deserves-a-failing-grade/
Obama’s budget proposes an increase for schools
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/us/15education.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/14/AR2011021403265.html
http://www.thenation.com/blog/158559/obama-budget-would-maintain-pell-grant-cut-two-programs
http://www.latimes.com/business/fi-obama-oregon-20110219,0,2441935.story
Congress, Obama brace for showdown as government shutdown looms
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/19/AR2011021903916.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/19/AR2011021900503.html
AFT reaction: http://www.aft.org/newspubs/press/2011/021911.cfm
Succor the rich, suffer the child
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-l-borosage/succor-the-rich-suffer-th_b_823699.html
The nest-egg myth
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-jacoby-aging-boomers-20110220,0,6111013.story
In budget wars, tough talk hasn’t often led to political victory
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/us/politics/21caucus.html
As Republicans see a mandate on budget cuts, others see risk
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/us/politics/21republicans.html
Keeping up with the Christies
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/21/opinion/21mon2.html
Insiders say states should guide policy in education
http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2011/02/insiders-say-st.php
Obama seeks support from GOP on schools
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/18/AR2011021801395.html
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/17/obama-seeks-support-from-gop-on-schools/
Law of unintended consequences
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marian-wright-edelman/law-of-unintended-consequ_b_821819.html
Closing the achievement gap without widening a racial one
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/14/education/14winerip.html
U.S. House quashes rules on student debt at for-profit colleges
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/18/for-profit-college-regulations_n_825322.html
Staffer: Black caucus members “actively shilling” for for-profit colleges
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-rucker/cbc-staffer-cbc-members-a_b_824838.html
New civics course to start in middle schools
http://www.thedestinlog.com/news/course-37553-nwfdn-middle-civics.html
Florida looks at taking textbooks completely digital by 2015
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/florida-looks-at-taking-school-textbooks-completely-digital-by-2015/1152138
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/os-florida-digital-textbooks-20110219,0,7666653.story
Florida gets a few more jobs, but their salaries are lower
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/workinglife/florida-gets-a-few-more-jobs-but-their-salaries-are-lower/1152462
Tearing down Tallahassee: The governor who couldn’t
http://www.theledger.com/article/20110220/EDIT01/102205012/0/YOURTOWN06
Scott now has to deliver on job growth
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_XGR_SCOTT_JOBS_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-02-21-05-00-58
Scott looks to Texas, but both states have problems
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/20/scott-looks-to-texas-but-both-states-have-problems/news-politics/
Florida Chamber CEO calls upcoming legislative session “our time”
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/florida-chamber-ceo-calls-upcoming-legislative-session-our-time/1151769
In just weeks, Scott makes state cry uncle
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/columns/in-just-weeks-scott-makes-state-cry-uncle/1152227
Scott’s remarks offend some black lawmakers
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/gubernatorial/at-luncheon-gov-rick-scott-implies-all-black-lawmakers-grew-up-poor/1151777
Nervous liberals say: Hands off Social Security
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/144997-nervous-liberals-say-get-your-grubby-hands-off-social-security
Is Scott eyeing presidential run in 2012
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/17/2072605/is-gov-scott-eyeing-white-house.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/columnists/schultz-governor-driving-his-own-train-not-floridas-1265972.html
Pawlenty: Florida missed chance to lead in education
http://ap.staugustine.com/pstories/state/fl/20110216/786668745.shtml
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/former-minnesota-gov-tim-pawlenty-says-hell-decide-on-presidential-run/1152125
Santorum tests presidential waters in Naples
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/feb/18/rick-santorum-google-palin-obama/
Rubio backs early Florida primary
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49720.html
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0211/49832.html
Haridopolos leads Florida Senate with eye on seat in Washington
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2011/feb/20/201448/haridopolos-leads-state-senate-with-eye-on-washing/news-politics/
Looks like Mack will enter Senate race
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/maverick-connie-mack-keeps-gop-senate-field-waiting-on-2012-run/1152506
http://www.news-press.com/article/20110218/NEWS0107/110217060/1009/ACC/Looks-like-Fort-Myers-Congressman-Mack-will-seek-U-S-Senate
Early voting begins today for state Senate race
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/20/2077113/early-voting-begins-monday-for.html
Corcoran uses clout to lock up House speaker promotion
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/state-rep-richard-corcorans-uses-clout-to-lock-up-house-speaker-promotion/1152631
Redistricting process more complicated than just moving boundaries
http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2011-02-21/story/redistricting-process-florida-more-complicated-just-moving-boundaries
Fairness in Florida and how it could help Democrats
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/mapping-the-future/fairness-in-florida-and-how-it.html
“Let’s face it, we can’t get at the folks at Goldman Sachs, or Exxon, or Verizon, or Comcast. But you can look at public school teachers and say, they’re making too much money. They don’t deserve to have a voice or a seat at the table.”
— Richard Stutman, president of the Boston Teachers Union.