Ramping up for a pro-education victory in 2012
With the double-overtime 2012 legislative now complete, the OurVoice Action Team turns our attention to the 2012 primary and general elections. Visit our 2012 Elections page for the latest information on WEA-PAC recommended candidates.
Coming soon..wrap-up of the 2012 legislative session
Check back here for a complete wrap-up of a wild and woolly three months in Olympia. Or review the events through our Olympia Blog here.
Legislators Approve Confusing K-12 Health care Bill
The final version of ESSB 5940 approved by the Legislature eary Wednesday morning is a confusing and convoluted hodgepodge of new requirements.
The bill, prime sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs, never had a hearing, and the public never had a chance for comment. Although the bill makes major changes to the $ billion health care system that covers 200,00 educators and family members, most legislators voted on the bill without seeing it--including legislators who demanded more transparency from the existiong health care system. To read more about this bill click here.
Urgent Action is Required!
SB 5940 is moving and positioned to be the compromise to end the legislative session.
(This bill takes away our health care choices)
More information is posted on Our Voice along with talking points:www.ourvoicewashingtonea.org
1. Flood legislator’s offices with calls and emails opposing SB 5940 (during non-contract time and using personal cell phones, not distict phones).
2. All members flood Reps. Chopp (Frank.Chopp@leg.wa.gov) and Sullivan (Pat.Sullivan@leg.wa.gov) with e-mails.
A massive last minute response is our best hope of defeating this bill which emerged for the first time over the weekend.
Our right to bargain health insurance is in peril today.
This is it. Pull out all the stops.
IF YOU’RE NOT MAD, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD!
The New Senate Budget, today, provides money for charter schools, a takeover of our healthcare, and under funds our pensions!
· Make sure that your members are making calls to the Legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000
· Emailing their legislators from ourvoicewashingtonea.org
· Writing postcards to their Senators & House members
· Contacting Frank Chopp to hold the line!
Chinook will be hosting a Postcard Party March 19 & 20 from 3:00-6:00. Stop by for a refreshment and information to write to your legislator. We’d like to send a ton of postcards to the legislature by Wednesday, March 21st. Postcards will be available to take back to buildings and return to Chinook. We need your help to turn the tide on these issues.
NO RSVP NEEDED! INVITE YOUR COLLEAGUES TO JOIN YOU!
CEA and the Chehalis School District have lost a talented member. Margret Brank lost her battle with a long term illness on December 22, 2011. To read the CSD notice click the Margret Brank Memorial on the banner above.
WEA endorses JAY INSLEE for governor of Washington. Click here for full story
Randy Dorn, State superintendent of public schools,
says more cuts will hurt students.
More Randy Dorn interviews and comments
Click here OSPI Dorn's Official Statement
Click here - KOMO 4 News
Check out NEA Member Benefits--Click here