Welcome Back from Winter...Spring Break

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...Really, is it necessary to dump this on us in April? Back at work, a little sore from the lap band surgery, but no worse for wear. I was going stir crazy at home. It is even worse watching my friends coming down the fairways on the course behind my house. I, not unlike Tiger, will make my triumphant return to golfing this weekend. My stomach looks like I lost in a knife fight, but it is worth it now that I have dropped 35lbs. from eating water, broth, sugar-free popsicles (don't judge until you have had one) and split pea soup. We have our OEA AR and Exec Bd meeting tonight and we will begin our "Early Enrollment" membership campaign where we sign members up and postpone dues until the Fall. If you have a friend who hasn't joined (or even someone you really don't like) this is a great chance. It has been a tough membership year because of the economic contraints, but we hope to pick up a few more this spring. Sorry, I have to go practice my swing.... Rick

Lap Band Surgery Successful

Hi, my lap band surgery was successful today and I now weigh 130 pounds. Just kidding. A bit sore, so I will use a couple of work days and spring break (I bet your spring break is funner (not a word) than mine) Already lost 20 pounds on liquid diet for a week, yummy broth and protein shakes. I am sorry no pictures will be posted...

Have a nice spring break...you all deserve it.

Rick (skinnier, I hope)

Upcoming events

Here are a few of the association events coming up in the near future:

• 2010 UEA General Election-Online voting- You can see a short video of the candidates at www.utea.org- Voting packets will be mailed April 9
• WEA/OEA Pre-House Dinner and Meeting @ the UniServ office, 4:00 pm, Wednesday, April 14
• UEA House of Delegates, 9:00 AM, Saturday, April 24 @ Coppper Hills High
• General Election Voting ends, Friday, May 7 @ 5pm

I plan to be out for a week with some personal business. Enjoy your spring break.

Rick

Cigarette taxes increased to help fund education

Governor Herbert refused to sign the increase in tobacco tax that could raise over $40 million dollars, because he had been against it from the beginning. He will not veto it, so it will become law without his signature. This was the only new revenue bill to pass the legislature. It will help a little. Do not believe that education was "held harmless". I will scream if I hear a politician say that again. There is no money for growth (11,000 students) this fall. That will mean a lot bigger class sizes for many schools and less money to pay teachers.

Rick

Governor Herbert Launches Education Commission

Governor Herbert announced the formation of an "Education Excellence Commission" to promote "more collaboration and cooperation, less anger and divisiveness". 25 leaders (including Kim Campbell, UEA President) have the goal to "implement statewide education reform and long-range planning". You can read the entire article at www.deseretnews.com

Rick

A warning shot for schools-Deseret News Editorial

Jordan schools were spared some cuts by the passage of SB 295 that allows school districts to use building money (Capital Outlay) for instructional needs (Maintenance and operations). Read the entire editorial at www.deseretnews.com

Rick

Attend Your Caucus Meetings Tonight at 7pm

We have some candidates running in Legislative District 6 (Kerry Gibson is running for County Commissioner) Republicans Craig Call, Brad J. Galvez, Randy Phipps, and Brent Ropelato. They will be looking for delegates tonight to be elected at your caucuses. Check your county party's website for locations.

Jesse Garcia and Neil Hansen have filed for the Democratic nomination in House Dist. 9.

Jon Greiner and Stuart Reid have filed for the Republican nomination in Senate Dist. 18.

Our political action committee will be interviewing these candidates next week.

Rick