Enough is enough
by Chris Galgay, President MEA
As I write my last column of 2011, I can't help but reflect on what a tough year it has been for the members of our great Association. Throughout this year I have utilized this space to warn you about the terrible things that might happen as a result of the elections in November 2010.
Unfortunately, many of them came true in the 2011 session of the 125th Maine Legislature as the result of that landmark election. For MEA's detailed analysis of the issues, bills and legislative votes, read "Where to your legislators stand?".
Back in January, I could only wonder what might be coming our way. I promised to keep the lines of communication open with the policymakers here in Augusta because I believed that, regardless of political party, these folks had great respect for all of you and they also believed in the great promise of public education.
Now in December, as this year comes to a close, it is almost surreal to think of all we have experienced over these past twelve months. Respect for public education and educators is clearly eroding and our leaders have done more damage than they can imagine.
Legislators broke Maine's longstanding and solemn promise on teacher retirement as they cut benefits and increased retiree's costs for health insurance. Of course, they did it under the guise of balancing the budget when the real objective was to use your money to provide tax breaks for Maine's wealthiest families.
Thanks to an all-out attack on your MEA health insurance plans by the Maine School Boards Association, legislators passed LD 1326, a bill that could reduce coverage and increase costs for the 70,000 educators and family members covered by MEA Benefits Trust.
To add insult to injury, some legislators who worked with us on LD 404 as an alternative to LD 1326, reneged on their commitments to us and helped pass both bills-to the detriment of educators.
LD 1326 is so offensive that Trustees for the MEA Benefits Trust filed suit in U.S. District Court challenging it as unconstitutional and a violation of federal law.
Then there is LD 1553, a charter school bill written by out of state groups whose only interest is in privatizing public education. It was rammed through the legislative process without a proper hearing or even cursory review because it was high on their conservative, anti-public school agenda.
As January quickly approaches we must look at the 2012 as an opportunity to reenergize our friends and allies in defense of public education. Enough is enough. The time has come to tell the Maine Legislature to stop its misguided thinking and to take steps to preserve public education before the damage inflicted is too great.
Educators must stand together and warn legislators not to take another cent from education or educators. If legislators do more harm, they will be held accountable by parents, civic-minded citizens and educators in their districts.
To deliver the message of "Not Another Cent," sign and return the card on the front page of this paper and go to our website (keywords: Not Another Cent) for more information.
I know it has been a tough year, so I hope that you will take the time to enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. Recharge your batteries and get ready for the challenges ahead.
Legislative Action
Locate your state and congressional representatives and share your views through our CyberLobby program.
