Budget Cuts

We are now in the season of negotiations and district budgets. The legislature failed to fund any increase in the WPU or any money for the growth (estimated at 11,000 new students) this year. Early numbers are showing our districts will lose close to 5% of funding. A big loss was a change in the way social security and retirement is being reimbursed. Of a $2.3 million dollar reduction that Ogden is looking at, $1.8 Million of that is a reduction in social security and retirment payments. It will be a difficult year for negotiations again. Weber's team consists of Marlene Irons, Shari Combe, Kirk Ottley, Lee Claycomb, and Terie Maxfield. Ogden's team consists of Doug Stephens, Lisa Vipperman, Whit Freund, Sherrie Dame. I serve on both teams also.
Our first meetings are coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Rick

More Legislative Wrapup...

• HB 42 Extends the period of time that an employee remains on provisional status
• HB 81 Allows districts to require periodic background checks for employees.
• HB 88 Requires districts to adopt policies prohibiting the use, possession, or distribution of electronic cigarettes, in addition to other tobacco products.
• HB 386 Enacts the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.
• HB 433 Re-enacts language regarding foreign exchange students which was removed several years ago.
• SB 56 Requires that the State Board adopt rules to calculate average class size.
• SB 59 requires the adoption of gang prevention and intervention policies.

You can go to the Utah State Legislative web site and look at the details of these bills.

Rick

County conventions this Saturday, April 10

Both the Democrats and Republicans will be holding their county conventions in Weber County this Saturday. Our local Political Action Committee interviewed candidates for the Republican nomination in House District 6 and are recommending Brad Galvez. In House District 9, the PAC interviewed Democratic candidates and are recommending Neil Hansen. If you are a delegate we encourage you to attend your conventions this weekend.

Rick

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