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.

Retirement First on the UEA Agenda

While DEA has spent most of this week helping with 10-minute meetings in the schools, Kory Holdaway has led the UEA team with lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. If you have not yet had a 10-minute retirement meeting in your school for all employees, contact your DEA building rep to get the information.

The coalition on retirement (of which UEA is a part) met with House Democrats Thursday during their noon caucus meetings and discussed the challenges related to retirement changes. UEA along with the Utah Public Employees Association, Utah School Employees Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and other labor groups all stood united against the changes proposed by Senator Liljenquist. Each of the groups recognizes there are challenges that Utah Retirement Systems must face; however, we are all in agreement we need to slow down the train these bills are on. The House Democrats asked some very good questions dealing with the protection of the retirement system. As the discussion proceeded, the need to protect the Defined Benefit in the URS system was stressed by each group in the coalition. It was shared with the members of the caucus that teachers and public employees should be looked upon as one of the great state assets and not a liability that must be funded. We also shared with them the need to maintain a meaningful benefit plan to attract and retain quality employees in our classrooms and public employment. The Democrats were very receptive to our message and wanted more information to further understand this important public policy decision.

We encourage you to visit Under the Dome frequently for updates on the lobbying efforts of UEA. Next Friday, February 5, is the first Educator Day on the Hill. We can still use some help that day. Contact Susan (susan@dea.org) if you are willing to take a day to visit with legislators, meet with the UEA team, and attend committee meetings. Other events are planned for next week. Your DEA building reps have that information and more will be sent to members early next week.