A statewide MEA member survey showed educators are paying on average $200 more per month in out-of-pocket health care costs this year, highlighting why House Bill 6058 must be delivered to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signature without further delay. HB 6058 fixes a state law passed in 2011 that capped the amount employers could pay […]
By Brenda Ortega MEA Voice Editor Maria del Pilar Galnares knew the right thing to do when a group of unrepresented educators approached her about forming a union or joining the unit she leads at Northwest Education Services — the intermediate school district based in Traverse City. Galnares got on board. It was unfair that […]
Lawmakers came together this month to pass an education budget that provides needed investments for students and educators. After months of delays and missed deadlines, the budget provides positive improvements for our schools in some areas while falling short in others. A $10,050 foundation grant. Continued student mental health support and free school meals. A [...]
For MEA member Sarah Ellis, making art is essential to being alive and human — like breathing. “For as long as we’ve been able to recognize that humans have existed, we’ve found art alongside them,” she says. In a time of deep societal divisions, Ellis wants art to be a source of hope and empowerment. […]
“I’m trying to make the things that I believe in come true.”— Dylan Baade, university custodian Within months of becoming an MEA member this year, Dylan Baade joined the bargaining team for his support staff unit at Oakland University and signed up to be a captain in the ESP Bill of Rights campaign. The reason [...]
“We all help provide education to students.”— Carol Urban, junior high paraeducator MEA member Carol Urban grew up in a military family and married her high school sweetheart who served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, so she knows the special bond that connects spouses and families of active-duty service members. When her husband [...]
“Employees want something they can build for the future.”— Laken London, university accounting clerk MEA member Laken London loves to solve puzzles, so she’s a go-to person in her department at Saginaw Valley State University when people have a problem they can’t figure out. London is a senior accounting clerk in Scholarships and Financial Aid [...]
“No one goes to work to be hurt.” — Katerina Tyner, Preschool teacher associate MEA member Katerina Tyner suffered more than physical injury after an emotionally dysregulated preschool student threw an object that fractured her ankle last May. “I didn’t even get to say goodbye to those students after being there for them every day,” [...]
“These are essential elements that people need to live a dignified life.” — Robin Moore, college circulation specialist MEA member Robin Moore wants to change perceptions about the need for every worker to have a thriving wage, good health care, and a secure retirement. “These things are not entitlements; they’re essential elements that people need [...]
“It’s about a better future for my kids.” — Shona Espinoza, middle school paraeducator As a special education paraeducator in Kalamazoo Public Schools, MEA member Shona Espinoza serves as a lifeline for many kids but can’t afford the level of health care or housing she needs for herself and her son. Last year she moved [...]
