Legislation - Michigan Education Association

Feb72017

Billionaire Betsy DeVos Confirmed as US Secretary of Education in Closest Cabinet Confirmation Vote in History

MEA, AFT Michigan leaders decry decision – and praise activism that opposed it

Today, the US Senate approved the appointment of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education. Two Republican Senators broke ranks with their party and joined with the entire Democratic caucus to vote against DeVos’ confirmation, resulting in a 50-50 tie, requiring Vice President Mike Pence, in his role as President of the US Senate, to cast the tie-breaking vote.

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February 7, 2017Featured, For News Media, Legislation, NewsroomBy Miriam Garcia

Stay Involved in DeVos Opposition

January 3, 2017 1 CommentAdvocacy, Legislation, NewsroomBy Miriam Garcia

Jan32017

Some Education-Related Bills Passed Lame Duck

The most prominent education-related bills to pass the Legislature in this month’s lame duck session include a softening of zero-tolerance policies and a ban on the use of seclusion and restraint with students except in the case of emergencies.

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January 3, 2017Featured, Legislation, NewsroomBy Miriam Garcia

Frustrating “3 Percent” Case Awaits State Supreme Court Ruling

As the lame duck legislative session winds down and the year comes to a close, many school employees are wondering when they will see the return of money taken from their paychecks to fund retiree health care – the subject of an ongoing six-year court battle waged by MEA.

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December 15, 20163%, Legislation, NewsroomBy Miriam Garcia

Dec92016

CALL TO ACTION – Fight Latest Attacks on Unions’ Ability to Conduct Business

SB 279-280 impacts union release time; now includes ban on payroll deduction of dues for community colleges

We need members to join the fight against yet another anti-labor measure being pushed by the Legislature’s Republican leadership.

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December 9, 2016Education Support Professionals, Featured, Higher Ed, Legislation, Newsroom, Teachers, UncategorizedBy Steve Cook

Dec92016

UPDATE: $400M threat to school funding dropped for lame duck

UPDATE 12/9 – According to the Detroit News, this “techincal fix” to tax refund law which would cost more than $400 million for schools next year has been dropped as an issue for the lame duck legislative session. Stay tuned for more on this issue when the Legislature returns in Janauary!

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December 9, 2016Featured, Legislation, NewsroomBy Steve Cook

Senate Fiscal Agency: Dismantling school employee retirement system will cost $1.6B

LANSING — The Senate Fiscal Agency today testified in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that a proposal to dismantle the school employee retirement system would cost the state $1.6B to $3.8B over five years, as reported by the Detroit Free Press today.

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November 30, 2016For News Media, Legislation, Newsroom, Press RoomBy Steve Cook

State budget experts say closing pension plan will cost taxpayers an extra $24 billion

UPDATE (11/30): Senate Fiscal Analysis of SB 102 shows significant costs for school districts

The Senate Fiscal Agency today testified in the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing that a proposal to dismantle the school employee retirement system would cost the state $1.6B to $3.8B over five years, as reported by the Detroit Free Press today.

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November 29, 2016Legislation, Newsroom, PensionBy Miriam Garcia

School Employee Pension Attack Emerges as Top Republican Priority

It’s official-Michigan’s new Speaker of the House, Rep. Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt), says one of his top priorities will be to come after educator pensions.

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November 23, 2016Featured, Legislation, Newsroom, PensionBy Miriam Garcia

Take Opportunities to Speak Up About Changes to Education Policy in Michigan

Changes are coming to education policy in Michigan, and several opportunities exist for MEA members and others to get involved.

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November 23, 2016Legislation, NewsroomBy Miriam Garcia