DISCLAIMER: I am a proud member of the Indiana State Teacher's Association. I am not, however, acting in any official capacity in this diary.
For more in-depth background on what Gov. Mitch "Huge Jerk" Daniels is doing in the state in which I teach, you can go here.
The short version is that basically, the same anti-middle class, anti-union, anti-teacher, anti-anyone-who-wasn't-born-rich-or-right-wing nonsense being perpetrated in Wisconsin and in Ohio by their new right-wing jerk-off Governors, is ALSO being perpetrated upon the public school teachers, students, and unions in the Hoosier state by an old right wing jerkoff, Governor Big Jerk Daniels.
(My students are on computerized high-stakes testing today . . . so I'm taking a little free time to get the word out.)
I'm going to keep this short, sweet, and to-the-point:
HOOSIERS CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS! THESE THREE DESPICABLE BILLS HAVE ALREADY PASSED OUT OF COMMITTEE AND THE ENTIRE GOAL IS TO KNEECAP BOTH TEACHERS UNIONS, PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AND UNIONS IN GENERAL
Thus will Governor Big Jerk Daniels polish his "I hate the public sector" cred to the GOoP in his run for the Presidency in 2012.
You can find your legislators here. In general, RepubliCons are for these hideous bills and Democrats are not, although there are some Democrats who crossed the aisle . . . in the wrong direction.
In particular, it may be worth it to contact the RepubliCon Speaker of Indiana's House of Representatives, Brian Bosma. Bosma hasn't been on the right side of this issue, but he's not known for being a total right wing wacko.
Here is my subject to legislators in general, or those whom I know for the odious HB 1002 and/or HB 1337:
SUBJECT: Anti-education, Anti-union legislation
The Honorable _____
__ North __ Ave
Your Town, IN
4__
Dear Senator/Representative _______
I am writing to you because you are an Indiana legislator. I’m
deeply distressed about current bills being discussed in Indianapolis
that effect education in the Hoosier State.
The first bill I am concerned with is HB 1002, the “Charter Schools
Bill.” There is precious little research suggesting that charter
schools are more effective at educating today’s students than
traditional schools. Also, encouraging charter school growth during
these economic times is not a good use of our limited resources. The
monies available to schools should be spent on the current school
districts. Finally, this charter school bill should not be made into
a collective bargaining bill. Collective bargaining within education
and without helps ensure fair practices.
The second bill I am concerned with is HB 1337, which severely limits
the amount collective bargaining rights for Indiana teachers.
Collective bargaining does not limit student achievement. It’s a way
for teachers and administrators to meet and discuss differences and
find solutions to problems together. Through this process they’re
able to come to an agreement on the best practices that work for
individual schools. Collective bargaining also helps local decision
making because not every district has the same issues. Collective
bargaining does not prevent a teacher from being removed if he/she is
ineffective. It includes a due process procedure in which supporting
documents are used to show ineffectiveness and then removal is
possible. Finally, teachers should be evaluated by their own
administrators who are qualified to conduct these evaluations. They
also have a vested interest in being honest and fair because they know the day to day conditions present in the building and the classroom.
Last, I am very concerned about House Bill 1585, which outlaws
automatic payroll deductions for union dues. This is simply a
political ploy to kneecap unions in general. There is no way to sugar
coat this clear reality. This would make it much more difficult for
unions to collect dues, and would force unions to spend much more time and energy going after its members, as opposed to advocating for their members.
Why is it that CEOs and businesses should be allowed to bargain or
negotiate for their interests, but employees shouldn't?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
______
Of course, Democrats who opposed these monstrosities need to know that we've got their backs. Here's a quick thank you letter for you too:
The Honorable _____
___ North ___ St
Your Town, IN
4____
Dear Senator/Representative ______:
I’m writing to thank you for being a friend to education.
With all of the bills being presented in Indianapolis, it’s
encouraging to know that we have many Senators and Representatives
that are willing to support education friendly bills and oppose
education unfriendly bills, designed to take money away from public
education, and punish teachers’ unions.
Please continue to vote against HB 1002 and HB 1337. Also, continue
to argue in favor of bills that strength Indiana Public Education and
help teachers and support staff educate today’s youth.
Once again, thank you for being a friend to education,
Sincerely,
_______
SOLIDARITY!