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

Our Sympathies..

Our sympathies go out to Celeste Gardner (OEA Exec Bd) and Supt. Jacobsen (Weber) for the losses of their moms. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Rick