Friday, February 26, 2010
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.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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.
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.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, February 19, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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.
Monday, February 15, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, February 12, 2010
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
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
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