COVID-19 Teletownhall with Whitmer and Rice
You can listen to the recording of Monday’s telephone townhall for MEA, AFT Michigan and AFSCME members with Gov. Whitmer and State Supt. Rice here.
Category: Legislation
Clarity on Instructional Time News from Friday
There was a flurry of news activity on Friday surrounding the online learning districts are pushing to deliver for students and how the state was going to count that toward requirements for student contact time this school year. The short version: There’s a lot that the state doesn’t know yet that we need to figure […]
Despite bipartisan support, legislation stalled on school employee pay and forgiveness for closure days
Michigan lawmakers adjourned last night without taking action to ensure all school employees get paid during this statewide school closure caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, despite bipartisan support and joint appeals from varied education organizations and educators across the state. Leaders from both the labor and management sides of the education community had worked together […]
State Legislative Update
A bill that would lift a prohibition on alternative certification routes to teach special education passed out of the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 657 would allow individuals who are pursuing permanent certification to seek an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC) to teach in special education classrooms in public schools. The bill – meant […]
Whitmer Proposes Budget Increase for Education
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer launched the process for developing next year’s state budget with a proposed spending plan that includes increases for education and weighted funding for students who are costlier to educate. Whitmer is proposing a $415 million increase in K-12 funding and additional money for universities and community colleges. Under the Whitmer plan, base […]
MEA announces initial federal candidate recommendations
EAST LANSING – The Michigan Education Association is pleased to announce the following recommendations of candidates for the U.S. Senate and for eight Michigan Congressional districts: – U.S. Senate – Gary Peters – 5th District – Dan Kildee – 6th District – Jon Hoadley – 8th District – Elissa Slotkin – 9th District – Andy […]
Governor Addresses Education in State of the State
MEA President Paula Herbart on Wednesday praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s plan to help Michigan parents and children learn how they can avoid the punitive retention piece of the state’s new third grade reading law. “Gov. Whitmer should be commended for addressing how to truly help all Michigan children be better readers, without leaving behind our […]
MEA President statement on Whitmer State of the State address
EAST LANSING —The following can be attributed to MEA President Paula Herbart regarding tonight’s State of the State address from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer: “Gov. Whitmer should be commended for addressing how to truly help all Michigan children be better readers, without leaving behind our most vulnerable students. Educating parents about their options under the third-grade […]
Funding, Literacy Top Launch Michigan Recommendations
Amid a contentious political scene nationally, a diverse group of Michigan leaders from the education, business, civic, and philanthropic realms – often at odds in the political arena – have spent the past 18 months seeking common ground on education policy. On Wednesday, the unusual coalition known as Launch Michigan released its first set of […]
Gambling Package Could Mean More Money for Schools
A bill package to revamp Michigan’s gambling laws to allow internet gaming and sports betting passed the state House and Senate this week. It is now on its way to the governor for her signature. Some research claims the changes could bring well over $50 million additional for schools each year. More realistic estimates, using […]