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| Action Wednesdays get off to a great start Thanks to everyone who remembered to wear black this past Wednesday, in mourning over the lack of an adequate, compassionate budget. We know that you also took the time to contact legislators about the need for a budget that provides for our children’s education and our own economic well-being. We know that because some legislators have told us how many contacts they are receiving. KEA local leaders have started sending in pictures of their “black-out” day. Here are just a few:
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| Next Wednesday, wear red & contact legislators once again Next Wednesday, May 12, KEA asks all members to wear red to symbolize that education cuts never heal. We only have one chance to educate the students in our schools today. If the state shortchanges them, some of them will never catch up. Make sure to contact both your state House and Senate members, letting them know the personal stories of your students and your own economic situation, to reinforce that you will not accept cuts in your health insurance or your students’ education. Right now while legislators are home, the best way to contact them is at their homes. You can also email them through KEA’s legislative Web site: www.keepkentuckylearning.org. You can leave a message for them in Frankfort at 800.372.7281. It’s very important that all KEA members keep up the pressure on all legislators until they do their constitutional duty and adopt a budget. We’d love to put pictures of school employees wearing red. Send them to gdarst@kea.org and be sure to identify the name of the school and the school system. |
| Plan now to rally on the first day of the special session The Governor has not yet called the special session when legislators will be called back to the Capitol to adopt a budget. Chatter in Frankfort indicates that the most likely day for the session to begin in Monday, May 24, but nothing is official. House and Senate leaders also appear to be far apart in their visions of the budget for the next two years, making the date of a special session even more uncertain. On the first day of the session (whenever it is), KEA will join with other groups in the Kentucky Forward coalition to rally at the Capitol at 5:00 p.m. in support of an adequate, compassionate state budget. KEA invites KEA members who can get to Frankfort after school, to join us. Start making your signs now and think about what you will tell legislators if you see them while you are here. Watch future editions of The Advocate for more details. For members who are too far to come to Frankfort after school, KEA encourages you to plan activities back home. For example, the weekend before the special session begins, schedule meetings at home with your legislators. On the first day of the session, have a local rally and invite all members, their families, and the news media. |
| NEA advocates in Congress to help state budgets Knowing that lots of state budgets are as tight or even tighter than Kentucky’s, the National Education Association is aggressively pushing for passage of Keep our Educators Working Act of 2010. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is the sponsor of the bill that would provide $23 billion to extend the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. For more information about this bill and to get involved telling Kentucky’s U.S. senators that you want them to support this important bill, go to http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/2010/04/30/keep-our-educators-working/. |
| Thanks for all you do While legislators avoided their duty to adopt a budget, Kentucky’s school employees were in their classrooms, offices and busses fulfilling their responsibilities to their students, employers, and the state. At this exceptionally busy and stressful time of year, you also took time out to contact legislators, organize your school to wear black, and fulfill all your responsibilities to the Association as well. In the midst of the testing window and “silly season” with its pink slips and evaluation appeals, KEA remains strong because of all the work you do. Please know how much we appreciate you! |
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