New UEA Head of Government Relations Hired

Larry Shumway, state supt. of schools, said (in an article in Deseret News a couple of weeks ago) "Comparing poor school funding with children who get a terrible sunburn at a summer pool, the bad effects are often seen later. Down the road, the cumulative effect harms our work force, it's felt in our communities, 10 years and 20 years later."

It will be the goal of UEA's newest lobbyist, Kory Holdaway, to lead the legislative battle when the session starts in January. Kory, a former UEA member from Taylorsville High, is eager to get started. He also has the experience of being a former Republican Legislator in the House. He brings this experience to the job of lobbying the legislator and working to elect educator-friendly candidates.

Please help by being aware of the issues and contacting your legislators.

Thanks Rick

Teachers should be treated with respect and trust

John Florez, in a SL Trib comment from Nov. 23, wrote "People don't mind paying taxes on education but not if it's just to keep it on life support." He goes on to say, "Public education will change when its leaders create a culture where teachers are treated with respect and trust in their professional ablilities." I don't always agree with Mr. Florez on all of his opinions, but I do agree that the culture needs to change in Utah. We, as educators, need to continue to be professionals in all aspects of our jobs.

Rick

Legislators Meet with Association Leadership

All ten of our Weber County legislators met with OEA/WEA leadership last evening to talk about public education funding and retirement changes. Glen Larsen, PAC chair, organized the evening. OEA President Doug Stephens and WEA President Marlene Irons presented information to the legislators and a discussion followed. Brad Dee, House Speaker, said that he has been working with Sen. Liljenquist, Bountiful, on any changes to the retirement program. Actuarials have told the legislators that without changes in contribution rates or benefits, the program will not be able to pay out the defined benefits of those retiring in the next few years. He feels that all of the employees at this time should be "held harmless" and that any changes would affect new employees. It will be a hot topic at the session this year.

Rick

Don't Cut Education

The Salt Lake Tribune editorialized a week ago about not cutting education funding. We are waiting now for Governor Herbert's budget request that is due Dec. 11. The shortfall is predicted at somewhere between $850 Million and $1 Billion. Much of that is from the stimulus money that backfilled the budget last year but is not there this year. Student numbers are predicted to increase by about 12,000 students. Our association leaders will be meeting with local legislators tonight and presenting the concerns that we have with the upcoming legislative session. It will take a combination of tax increases, rainy day fund, and creative budgeting to keep services at their current status.

Go to www.utea.org and click on the "Under the Dome" icon to read more about what is happening at the legislature.

Rick

Association leaders to meet with Legislators Tuesday

Our UniServ leadership will be meeting with our Weber County Legislators Tuesday night to present some ideas on public ed funding and protecting our state retirement system from changes. Stay tuned. rick

Have a nice Turkey Day Break

Hope you enjoy the break to eat and visit with family. We will trekking northward to the cold country of Aberdeen, Idaho for good food and family time. Last week I had an early Thanksgiving Dinner (Shrimp at Red Lobster in St. George) with kids and grandkids. Nothing better than seeing the kids growing up and raising beautiful babies. Rest up, eat a lot, watch a lot of football, and enjoy the family.

Rick

Future Educators Meet at WSU

Over 150 students from as far away as Provo, are meeting today at Weber State University for breakout sessions and competitions with the Future Education Association as the sponsor. Students from Weber Ed 1010 FEA Chapter (Joan Iverson, advisor), OHS FEA Chapter (Suzy Davis, advisor) , and BLHS FEA Chapter (Mindy Knowles and Tammy Johansen-Brown, advisors) are attending. The students will gain some insight into the teaching career, while their advisors receive training also. I helped judge "Impromptu Speeches" in the competitions that were held.

Stephanie Heath, WSU College of Ed, organized the day. WSU also has a FEA chapter on campus.

Rick