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Amid questions, cyber school bill moves to Gov. for signing

Posted on 05/04/12 at 12:27pm

SB 619 is on its way to Gov. Snyder for his signature after the Senate concurred with the House on the expansion of cyber schools. The vote was 23-14. Just as in the House, the bill did not receive immediate effect so SB 619 won’t go into effect until April 2013.

Emergency Manager repeal likely headed to court

Posted on 04/26/12 at 7:03pm

In a split 2-2 decision, the Board of State Canvassers failed to approve the Public Act 4 referendum that would have put the repeal of the controversial Emergency Manager law on the November ballot.  That tie likely means the proponents of the repeal –which MEA supports –will be taking their case to court for a final ruling.

Muskegon Heights schools gets emergency manager

Posted on 04/20/12 at 8:40am

Governor Snyder has appointed Donald Weatherspoon as Muskegon Heights School District emergency manager effective April 23.

MEA joins in federal suit challenging PA 53

Posted on 04/04/12 at 5:45pm

MEA has joined with three other unions representing Michigan school employees in a federal suit challenging the constitutionality of PA 53 that bans the payroll deduction of dues only for public school employees.

Analysis of SB 1040

Posted on 04/04/12 at 4:19pm

SB 1040 Talking Points

Senate Republicans Kahn, Jansen, Pavlov and Walker introduced Senate Bill 1040.  This bill makes massive changes to the Michigan School Employee Pension System (MPSERS) and is designed to shift significant costs for pensions and retirement health care benefits onto school employees and retirees. 

School funding front and center in an election year

Posted on 03/28/12 at 2:18pm

Spring has sprung.  Election season is underway. And, as usual, politicians are trying to shore up their record by allocating more money for public education.  However, after last year’s massive school budget cuts, voters won’t be tricked this year by politicians who are a day late and a dollar short.

Petition rule changes move to Senate

Posted on 03/19/12 at 12:51pm

A bill to change the rules on how petitions are circulated, HB 5063, passed the House on a 64-46 vote this week with an amendment that exempted current petition drives from mandatory Secretary of State approval. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Junger wins 'Best in Show' in annual MEA art exhibit

Posted on 03/12/12 at 12:53pm

"Layered Earth I," a collage mix entry by Terry Junger of Perry

"Layered Earth I," a collage mix entry by Terry Junger of Perry won "Best in Show" at the 48th Annual MEA/MAEA Exhibit this past weekend. Junger’s work was chosen by juror Dr. Kim Huyler-Defibaugh from 99 entries.

Statement from MEA President Cook on passage of HB 4929 (ban on payroll deduction of dues)

Posted on 03/07/12 at 5:38pm

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 – The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Steven Cook:

“Today the Michigan Legislature continued its assault on collective bargaining rights, passing legislation to prohibit school employees from paying their union dues through payroll deduction. This is a practice that has been used for years and is outlined in local collective bargaining agreements.  It is yet another case where lawmakers are restricting the rights of school employees and interfering in local control.

MDE submits ESEA waiver

Posted on 03/05/12 at 4:23pm

Michigan is among 26 states that have applied for waivers under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The waiver would free states from some ESEA requirements, in exchange for adopting key reforms. Eleven states have already received a waiver.

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