BATs LEGISLATIVE ACTION TEAM WEEKLY UPDATE

NATIONAL LEVEL

On Monday, January 11th the Supreme Court will hear Friedrichs vs. CTA.  In a nutshell, if the Court rules in favor of Friedrichs we will become a RIGHT TO WORK NATION.  It is important that we all spread the word about this.  Here are some materials that you can share which describe what this case is really about!

http://www.badassteacher.org/the-art-of-deception-friedrich-vs-cta/

http://badassteachers.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-deception-goes-deeper-friedrichs-vs.html

http://edit.aflcio.org/Blog/Political-Action-Legislation/What-s-This-Friedrichs-Case-Really-About

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/09/us/politics/union-fees-friedrichs-v-california-teachers-association.html?_r=0

http://www.thenation.com/article/this-supreme-court-case-could-make-all-public-unions-right-to-work/

STATE LEVEL NEWS

Massachusetts- Amy Wolpin

Charter School Expansion (H3804)

"A bill raising the cap on the number of charter schools allowed to operate in Massachusetts was passed in the House in the 2013-’14 session, but did not pass in the Senate. [Gov] Baker has come out in favor of raising the cap, as has Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Both testified in favor of the bill in October.

In recent months, senators have been holding a series of closed-door meetings in an attempt to find common ground on the issue in the current session. On Monday [1/4/16], Senate President Stanley Rosenberg said he is trying to determine if there is enough support for the bill to bring it up, adding it is a “politically and substantively complicated issue.” The Senate may very well opt not to take up the matter this session, leaving it instead to the voters to decide. A referendum calling for the cap to be raised will likely be on the ballot in November 2016."


http://www.wbur.org/2016/01/06/key-2016-bills-massachusetts-legislature


Alabama- Terri Michal Rector

Sen. Del Marsh (R-AL) has released a bill he will propose in the upcoming legislative session beginning on Feb. 2. The RAISE Act is a Performance Pay scam that basically will pay teachers up to $4,000 a year in increased salaries and stipends to give up their tenure. It will also tie students assessments to evaluations through a VAM formula. Up to 67% of the teacher's final score will be based on student assessments. The bill also will allow for the revocation of tenure for new teachers that chose the tenure pathway instead of the performance pay pathway if they have two poor evaluations in a row. It does not stipulate any specifics on what actions will take place to aid teachers that are struggling, it simply states the teachers should 'seek PD' and that they will reimburse up to $1,000 for PD for teachers that score in the lowest category. Of course, since they can fire teachers that do not have tenure for any reason I doubt they will be dishing out too many thousand dollar bills. It also increases the number of years it takes to earn tenure from 3 to 5.

http://www.alreporter.com/marsh-unveils-controversial-tenure-reform-bill/



Hawaii - Mireille Christianne Ellsworth 

Hawaii State Teachers Association announced last month its bill for Schools Our Keiki Deserve ("keiki" means children in Hawaiian). Our state president, Corey Rosenlee, announced the proposed funding source, a 1% increase in the General Excise Tax. I have been serving on the Speakers Bureau, a group of about 15 teachers from around the state who are writing the literature (about a 20 page booklet) giving research for our 10 points of this ominbus legislation. We are also going through media training and scheduling appointments with community groups gearing up for a rally in Honolulu on Feb. 5.

http://www.hsta.org/images/uploads/MM_SOKD_120715.pdf



Maine - Robin Brooks

The Education Committee of the Maine Legislature is holding a public hearing on Monday January 11 at 1 pm to consider a bill that repeals the Common Core.


Wisconsin - Debbie Kadon

Vos Supports New Limits On School District Tax Referendums: Bill Would Prevent Special Elections, Limit Votes To Once A Year

http://www.wpr.org/vos-supports-new-limits-school-district-tax-referendums

Idaho - Mary Ollie

Legislative Session Begins

http://idahoea.org/hotline/2016-legislative-session-begins-monday/

Florida - Donna Mace

SB 1360, which so far has no House companion, would establish a list of accepted alternatives to the FSA. The goal, according to the bill, is to stay true to the state's mission of assessing performance with tests, but to provide "valid, reliable, and respected assessment options for students to demonstrate subject area and grade level competency and college and career readiness."

They would be able to use, among other choices, ACT Aspire, Advanced Placement and CLEP exams. Several career industry certifications also would be available to replace selected state tests. 

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/flurry-of-new-education-legislation-drops-in-days-before-florida-session/2260400

INTERESTED IN JOINING YOUR BATs STATE GROUP TO FIGHT FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION AT THE STATE LEVEL - GO TO OUR WEBSITE Badassteacher.org  - Look at the right column of our site and find your state group to join!