MEA VOICE At Issue
Upcoming MEA conferences will focus on TEF initiative
MEA’s new initiative that addresses
how fairer tax structures and changes
in economic development policies can
lead to adequate and equitable funding
for our public schools will be a major
focus at MEA conferences this year.
MEA launched the initiative—known as TEF for Tax structures, Economic development policies and Funding for schools—at its Summer Leadership Conference July 31-Aug. 2.
“We need to get people familiar with the concept,” Lu Battaglieri, MEA executive director, said. “That’s why TEF will be part of every MEA conference in the coming year.”
Thirty MEA leaders and staff members participated in intensive, two-day training on TEF last spring.
“We’ve had a lot of interest shown for this concept by leaders and staff, and they will help our members, the public and policymakers become familiar with TEF,” Battaglieri said.
Training at MEA conferences to explain the concept will take a hands-on approach. “This isn’t a report to put on the shelf and collect dust,” Battaglieri said. “We need to Upcoming MEA conferences will focus on TEF initiative Ann Arbor EA member Brit Satchwell has had mutiple meetings with school employees and community members to explain how investing in public education can improve the Michigan economy. keep this fresh in the minds of our leaders and members, so they can begin spreading the word to other members and in their communities.”
Battaglieri is scheduled to introduce the initiative to the Education Alliance, a group of statewide education organizations, this month.
“This will take time to take hold,” he said. “We’re excited for the opportunity to start educating everyone about it.” More information about TEF will be available soon on www.mea.org.