Gambling with Schoolchildren's Future

Follow this link to read an opinion piece in The Salt Lake Tribune written by Viewmont High teacher Hollie Barenz.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_14477967

Retirement Information

There is a good summary on UEA Under the Dome. Follow this link:

http://www.utea.org/politicsLegislation/legislativeInformation/index.htm

Members should have also received two emails from Joel with more information.

House Acts on Retirement

Susan, Joel and Pat are sitting in the House chamber watching them vote on the Tier II system as amended six times. It will pass the House and go back to the Senate. Details will be posted here later today.

Two Retirement Bills Move Through Committee

Wednesday, February 24, two of the proposed changes to the Utah Retirement System were voted out of the House Retirement and Independent Entities Committee and sent to the House for action. The two bills currently moving through the legislature affect new hires after July 1, 2011 and retirees returning to work after July 1, 2010. Neither of those bills impact current employees or people currently rehired.

Please continue to contact your House members to encourage them to send the bills to interim committees for study. Based simply on the number and complexity of anticipated amendments in the House, further study seems to be warranted on this matter. The two bills are scheduled for debate Friday morning at 10:30.

Legislative Activity Dominates the Coming Week

Monday, February 22, begins early at 8:00 AM with a House Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting where proposed changes to the income tax code will be discussed. That is where Joel and Pat will start the week. The DEA Executive board will meet at 4:00 PM for updates on the legislature and other DEA business.

Wednesday, February 24, will once again be UEA Educators on the Hill. Several Davis educators will join the UEA and DEA lobbying teams for a day filled with legislative observation and contacts. Following that day of activity will be a meeting of the Membership Committee at 4:00 PM.

The only thing that is constant at the DEA office is change. We start every week knowing that what is planned for the week will have to be adjusted to accommodate new legislative developments, concerns called in from schools, and unexpected meetings with legislators and candidates.

Be sure to check here for continuing updates and visit UEA Under the Dome for help with contacting legislators and keeping up-to-date on the latest news.

Concerned about the Future

Yesterday, I had a call from a recently retired teacher. She wanted to point out a concern she had with some language in our negotiated agreement and how it had impacted her. I listened carefully to be sure I understood what she needed from me, but she didn't want me to do anything. At least, she didn't have a personal concern she wanted my help with. She was calling to point out something we should look into for the future. She was looking out for the teacher who took her place and all of the other teachers still in the classrooms of Davis School District and for those yet to come.

As I listened and finally understood why she was calling, I began to realize the reason why there is a disconnect between how current public employees have reacted to the proposed changes to the Utah Retirement System and how many legislators expected us to react. When legislators point out to us that changes for current employees are minimal, they expect us to say "Thank you," and disappear. While we are grateful that the obligations to current employees will be honored, we are still very concerned about how the proposed changes would impact the classrooms we leave behind when we retire.

It has become increasingly difficult to attract and retain teachers to Utah classrooms. Although the current unemployment rate has temporarily decreased that problem, as soon as the jobless rate declines the shortage will return. With a lessened commitment to an adequate retirement which has always kept some teachers in the classroom and attracted others, that anticipated shortage is likely to worsen. That is why we have not disappeared. As hard as it is for some to believe, we care about the future teachers and want them to be the best and the brightest for the students waiting to enter the schools we care about so much.

A commitment to education is a commitment to the past, the present and the future of Utah's schools and students.

Morgan Elementary Teachers Visit Capitol Hill

For UEA Educator Day on the Hill February 17, seven Morgan Elementary Teachers visited the legislature to express their concerns about school funding and proposed retirement changes. Stephanie Povey, shown here visiting with Representative Kevin Garn, along with Lori Warden, Julie Sanders, JoAnn Squires, Wendy Ynchausti, Cappy Fechser, and Heidi Short, visited with several legislators including Representative Julie Fisher and Senator Dan Liljenquist. The seven teachers along with Joel Briscoe and Susan Firmage had an unusually long visit lasting 40 minutes with Senator Liljenquist. They also took advantage of the chance to visit with UEA President Kim Campbell and Director of Government Relations Kory Holdaway and ask them specifically, "What comes next?" They wanted to be sure that the energy created by the rally was not lost and teachers would receive direction regarding ways they can help as the session continues. Kory explained the UEA strategy and informed them that they would be asked soon to contact their House members regarding proposed retirement changes and other UEA priorities.

District Retirement Incentive Deadline is March 1

Remember, Davis School District retirement incentives have been extended unchanged until at least the end of the 2010-2011 school year, and the biggest changes to the state retirement system impact only new teachers after July 1, 2011. Even with these reminders, some may still be considering retiring this year for a variety of reasons including to avoid the minor changes being considered that impact current employees.

The deadline for application for district retirement incentives is March 1. Because of the uncertainty of the potential changes proposed at the legislature, there will continue to be uncertainty for some people about whether this is the year to retire or not. We recommend that anyone considering retiring at the end of this school year submit a letter as close to March 1 as possible. The letter needs to be received by the Human Resources Department no later than Monday, March 1. Applicants are allowed 20 days from the day the letter is submitted to rescind the letter. The legislative session ends on March 11 leaving a few days for people to analyze the legislative changes that might have been approved by then and finalize the decision.

The superintendent has indicated that should anything catastrophic and unanticipated occur in the final days of the legislature, the deadline may be briefly extended but only if something currently unanticipated were to be enacted.

Educator Day on the Hill - Another Reaction

I was excited to spend a day on Capitol Hill, until I showed up on The Hill yesterday morning. As I pulled into the parking lot of the Capitol, the butterflies began to churn in my stomach and the doubt began to seep into my mind. What was I doing? Before I could turn around and run away, I met up with a friend of mine from another district who was also there for Educator Day on the Hill. There was no turning back.
Our first task of the day was to meet with the UEA leaders to be briefed on what to expect. I suspect that I wasn't the only one questioning my decision to be there, after all it was 7:30 in the morning, but before long it was easy to tell that we were all fired up and ready to "do battle" on The Hill. The eight Davis educators banded together to divide and conquer, after we took a quick tour of the building.
Each of us were tasked to meet with certain Representatives of the House and to speak with them about the retirement bills being presented by Senator Liljenquist. We also were asked to give to them a folder that summarized the UEA's position on retirement. As I waited to meet with each Representative, my courage grew and my excitement for the moment began to spill out. I was on fire! I was able to speak with several Representatives, including my own, Representative Barrus. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that most of them had the same questions and concerns about the retirement bills that I did which made it easier to speak with them. When I was finished with my job I was ready to do more; I didn't want to stop!
After a delicious lunch at the Capitol's cafeteria, it was time for the Senate hearing on retirement. The hearing was so popular that half of us had to sit in the overflow room. Along with the educators, there were representatives from the police and fire departments, public works, and all public employee groups. There were also a lot of private citizens who were concerned about the proposals. I felt very safe with all of the law enforcement officials in the room and I was also on my very best behavior.
Moments before the hearing began I happened to run into the man of the hour, Senator Liljenquist. I had a quick private conversation with him, which included a "we're watching you" statement. Of course it wasn't a threat but the power that we have as an association is pretty powerful and I wanted to remind him of that.
By the end of the two hour hearing I was ready to forget my good manners and jump up and speak my mind. I'm sure I would have fouled up everything so I'm glad that I didn't. Due to the lengthiness of the presentation of the bills, not all public comment could be heard, including Kim Campbell's remarks, so the hearing was continued until Friday afternoon. If it weren't for the scheduled Valentine's party that day, I'd probably take a personal leave day from school in order to make a return trip to the Capitol. I'm really into it now!
By the end of my experience on Capitol Hill I was disappointed in myself for not taking advantage of the opportunity sooner. Educator Day on the Hill is an experience that everyone should have. Do yourself a favor and sign up to go, you won't regret it!
- By Jessica Dunn, Adelaide Elementary

Educator Day on the Hill - February 10

DEA was well represented at UEA's Educator on the Hill for February 10. Along with Joel, Susan and Pat five Davis teachers were given the chance to spend the day Under the Dome. Scott Reeve, Jennifer Baker, Jessica Dunn, David Huddleston and Don Paver had the chance to talk with the UEA lobbying team and discuss the issues with legislators.

Scott Reeve, Second Grade Teacher from Morgan Elementary, reacted this way to his experience at the Capitol.

"As I sat in my classroom two hours past the time I could have gone home planning for a substitute so I could go to the Capitol and lobby, I wondered, 'Why am I doing this?' Then I thought of every advantage I have because previous educators lobbied for them years ago. Duty, I guess, is why I came.
"Now I am here have a fascinating time. Field trips are great. Field trips without students ... enough said. In addition to the beauty of the buildings, the fun companions, and the interesting political workings, this field trip includes a chance to really make a difference. I was asked to talk to three legislators; I talked to six and wrote to one more.
"This was the first time I ever lobbied at the Capitol. I'm a second grade teacher for crying out loud! I came here a novice and I will leave feeling extremely useful, not to mention well-fed and carrying memories of an exciting and intriguing day. The legislators were polite and attentive. I had a great day and made a difference.
"If you have a chance go Under the Dome. Regardless of your busy schedule or lack of experience, just do it. It is great! You will be glad you did."

Each educator was asked to talk to three or four legislators to pass along information regarding the UEA position on the retirement bills. David Huddleston, Spanish teacher from Woods Cross High, visited with a total of five legislators. He found most of them attentive but very restricted in the time they had to talk. Legislators were frequently summoned by a chime to return to the chamber and vote. "I appreciate DEA arranging for me to meet some of the lawmakers. I also appreciate being able to attend the session regarding retirement," commented David.

Retirement Bills Head to Senate Committee

Thousands of teachers and public employees rallied on Capitol Hill on Saturday to ask the legislature to Slow Down and Proceed with Caution. Many Davis educators gave up a part of their Saturday in order to show their concern over the proposed changes to the Utah Retirement System.
Wednesday will be the first day of action on the retirement bills in the Senate Retirement and Independent Entities Committee. Wednesday is also the second Educator Day on the Hill sponsored by UEA. Several Davis teachers are planning to attend. If you are interested in attending an Educator Day on the Hill, contact Susan at susan@dea.org.
UEA and DEA are tracking other legislation as well including the proposed budget and SB77 which would limit school districts ability to function during the school day by limiting leave for association activities. This could impact even the district's insurance committee which meets during the school day and includes classroom teachers. To follow UEA updates and keep up on the latest developments go to UEA Under the Dome.

Retirement Rally Tomorrow at 11:00 AM

We now have 145 members committed to attend the rally tomorrow with many more trying to arrange to be there. The more we have, the better it will be. Please join us.
Parking should be available since the legislature will not be in session, but carpooling would be a good idea. Signs will be provided. Come early to be sure you get one. Home made signs are discouraged. Wear school jackets or sweat shirts if you can. Check the weather. It may be a good idea to bring an umbrella or hooded jacket. There is a chance of showers.

Rally Support Growing in Davis

With over 800 DEA members having responded to our Retirement Rally Survey so far, there are 140 members committed to attend the rally on Saturday morning with another 350 working to adjust their schedules so they can attend. If you have not yet taken the survey, you can click below to complete the short survey.

Retirement Rally Survey

Please join us Saturday morning. More information is below in the previous post.

UEA Member Alert: Your Retirement Benefits are in Jeopardy!

Rally Scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 11 a.m., at the Utah State Capitol

"UEA members' retirement benefits are in jeopardy, and we will be rallying to show the legislature how we feel about these proposals," UEA President Kim Campbell said, after reviewing the latest retirement bills sponsored by Sen. Dan Liljenquist (R-Bountiful). Campbell said the Association is joining with the Utah School Employees Association, Utah Public Employees Association, and the Fraternal Order of Police to host a Saturday, Feb. 6, all-member rally at the Utah State Capitol. These groups represent more than 32,600 public employees and educators statewide. The rally begins at 11 a.m. on the south side of the Capitol. Speakers from each organization will be featured. "We need all of our members to participate in this event," Campbell said. "Those who live great distances from the Capitol can still help by writing letters and e-mails to their senators and representatives."

- For more information about the rally, click here.

- For information about the retirement bills, click here.

- To write your legislator, click here.