Earlier this month, MEA joined with other education organizations in a letter from State Superintendent Michael Rice to lawmakers urging the suspension of evaluations this year due to the pandemic. The letter requested that the Legislature “amend state law to let our educators—teachers and building administrators—focus exclusively on the needs of children this year rather […]
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is set to deliver her annual State of the State message on Wednesday evening, during which she will urge the Legislature to repeal the pension tax implemented under her predecessor, Rick Snyder. According to media reports, Whitmer will call for the rollback of the tax implemented on seniors’ pensions enacted in 2012, […]
On Monday, the State Board of Canvassers approved revised summary language for a new voucher scheme, including important details about the cost and discriminatory practices in the description voters will see on the petition. The decision moves the GOP-backed scheme forward to signature collection – and signals the beginning of Decline to Sign efforts by […]
EAST LANSING — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding the announcement of an unconstitutional school voucher ballot campaign that tries again to end run Gov. Whitmer and voters: “Michigan voters have resoundingly opposed attempts by mega-donors like Betsy DeVos to enact voucher schemes in our state. We value our […]
The Republican-controlled Legislature recently fast-tracked legislation that would set up a $500 million voucher program, pulling money from our public schools to funnel money to private schools. This Betsy DeVos-inspired scheme is in direct conflict with the Michigan Constitution’s ban on public support for private schools – a ban voters have consistently supported. Gov. Whitmer […]
In addition to pushing an unconstitutional voucher bill, Republican leaders in the state House and Senate have been moving a number of controversial measures that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is likely or promising to veto. From bans on mask mandates to bills restricting educators’ speech on issues of race, to a resolution condemning U.S. Justice Department […]
This month two new laws went into effect aimed at keeping students safer on buses. The first makes it easier to ticket drivers who ignore the red flashing lights and extended stop arm of a school bus, and the second prohibits any unauthorized person from entering a school bus without the driver’s permission. The changes allow […]
Early-career teachers who work in lower-income school districts would be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in total student loan debt relief over 10 consecutive years, under a state Senate bill introduced by several Democratic lawmakers. Senate Bill 673 would apply fully for newer teachers in districts where at least 45% of students qualify for […]
Following federal approval of Michigan’s plan to spend federal COVID-relief money, the state will receive the final one-third of $3.7 billion in its education funding approved by Congress in the American Rescue Plan. The U.S. Department of Education approved Michigan’s priorities for the rescue funds earlier this month: expanding early childhood learning opportunities, improving early […]
Tougher penalties could be imposed for anyone who causes physical harm to a school employee or board member, under legislation introduced by former teacher and MEA member Sen. Dayna Polehanki in the state Senate last week. Senate Bill 689 would amend the Michigan Penal Code to set a maximum misdemeanor penalty of one years’ imprisonment […]
