Lawmakers can't agree on ed funds

Lisa Schencker writes in the Tribune today (www.sltrib.com) that the appropriations committee is still having trouble agreeing on what programs should be cut and which should be funded. The base budget (they have to start with one at the beginning of the session) shows a 7% cut in funding and then there is another $91 million that has not been allocated that adds another 4% to the possible cuts (11% total). It is imperative that you contact your legislator. You all received a "Call to Action" from UEA with information on how to contact them. Also your building reps have postcards that I can deliver to the legislators on our Friday "Educator on the Hill" days.

Today's "Don't cut my budget" Blog question is: Name one of the programs that could get cut this year. Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Lawmakers: Teach U.S. is a republic..huh?

All is well at the Capitol with legislators like Rep. Michael Morley R-Spanish Fork (why did I not have to guess he was from Utah County) working overtime to make sure those Socialist, Communist and probably Al Queda loving government and history teachers correctly teach that the United States is a "republic" not a "democracy". Read it today at www.sltrib.com. Fiddling while Utah's public education system is burning seems to make a lot of sense to 57, yes 57 representatives who took time (even 10 minutes is too long) to waste debating and voting for HB220. Our country is safe now from the pervasive teaching of "democratic" government in the U.S. Please...really??? How about coming up with the millions we need to fund our classrooms? We can't even get a discussion of the governor's idea to have businesses pay state income tax quarterly (it would give us $130 million one time money) because they call it a "tax increase". Frustrated...then email your legislator and let them know.

Today's "gnashing of teeth" Blog contest question (Oh, congrats Karen Draper, Glen Larsen, Cheryl Parkinson and Cindy Wallace for winning Chili's Gift Cards) is: What Rep. said "Let's let the teachers and the curriculum specialists make those decisions."?
Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Most want Education independent

Read Molly Farmer's front page story at http://www.deseretnews.com/. She writes "Changing who oversees Utah's public education system might seem like a novel idea to some lawmakers, but a recent Deseret News/KSL survey by Dan Jones shows that notion isn't popular among the public."

Today's "who wants the legislature in charge of education" Blog Question is: What percentage Strongly Oppose placing the State Board of Education under the supervision of the state Legislature"?

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Educator on the Hill

Mary Margaret Lyon, English Teacher at Bonneville High and WEA Executive Board member, is here at the Legislature today, joining teachers from Utah and Davis Counties, as they lobby their representatives and senators. Of course, the budget is the main focus as the base budget was passed with a 11% cut. UEA does not expect it to stay at 11% by the end of the session. Several National Board Certified Teachers are also here to stress the need for funding for more teacher scholarships to work for the NB Certification.

Today's "We need more money" Blog Contest Question: What position does Mark Mickelsen hold at UEA? (Hint: Go to www.myuea.org and look for staff) Email me your answer at rick@ogdenweber.org


Thanks Rick

Interesting Education Articles

Failing Grades: Letter to Editor in Salt Lake Tribune (www.sltrib.com) JoLynn Miller grades the legislature.

Lisa Schencker writes in the Salt Lake Tribune: Changes proposed to extended-day Kindergarten (www.sltrib.com) Taylorsville Republican Johnny Anderson (owner of day cares) proposes changes to extended day kindergarten.

Utah Lawmakers want to destroy education to save it: Charles Trentelman-Wasatch Rambler in the Standard-Examiner- (www.standard.net)

Read and enjoy (make sure you take your blood pressure medicine first)

Today's "Makes your blood boil" Blog Contest Question: What local State Senator wants to give control of public education to the Governor through a constitutional amendment? (Hint: He took Jon Greiner's spot.)

Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Thanks Rick

Facing a Budget Ax

Molly Farmer's frontpage story in the Deseret News (www.deseretnews.com) talks about only one of the many programs on the "chopping block" if the budget is cut by 11%. Other programs include the K-3 Reading block grants that pay for many of the reading coaches and programs used in schools to increase reading instruction. The Regional Service Centers are more value to the rural districts. The article talks about the possibility of not funding the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. Now is the time to contact your legislator and let them know the importance of funding education growth and preserving the programs that matter to kids. You can use the "Under the Dome" (http://www.myuea.org/) or go to our website (http://www.ogdenweber.org/) and click on the Political Action icon to find your legislator's info. Remember not to use your school computer.

Today's Blog Question: Who is the Supt. of the USDB? (hint: read the article)
Email me at rick@ogdenweber.org

Teacher leaves class, camps out at Capitol

Peg McEntee (http://www.sltrib.com/) writes a nice column today about our new UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh and her work at the legislature. I hope you can go read it.

Our OEA Blog Contest Winners (25.00 Applebee Gift Cards) for February are: Christine Heslop (OHS) and Jenny Venegas (Washington High). We will continue the contest in March and draw for new winners at the March AR meeting. WEA's contest will continue also and we will draw next Monday for the February winners.

Today's Blog Contest Question: What grade did Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh teach? (Hint: read the SL Trib column)