Race to the Top, RtI, budget cuts, pending pension legislation, school testing, IEA Lobby Day. Are you overwhelmed yet? Rest assured – IEA is keeping tabs on the issues, programs and legislation important to you. Stay informed with us by reading the insider, Capitol Report, website, facebook and twitter.
Quinn proposes tax increase for education
Gov. Pat Quinn today unveiled a state budget plan calling for massive cuts in state spending, but also proposed raising the state income tax (to 4 percent from 3 percent), with the extra money dedicated to education. The governor’s proposal is intended to avert massive layoffs, estimated at up to 17,000, of education employees. President Swanson urges lawmakers to pass the education tax proposal but also is calling for the passage of tax reform legislation, such as HB 174,that would provide funding for all state services, including agencies and vendors that serve the state’s neediest citizens.
IEA Representative Assembly in Rosemont March 18-20
Gov. Quinn is likely to talk about his proposal when he speaks next Friday at the IEA Representative Assembly (RA). The appearance of the governor and his election opponent, State Sen. Bill Brady (their first joint appearance), will be streamed live via the IEA website, which you can check for the complete streaming schedule.
Find out more about the IEA RA on the IEA website.
GPAs plan their advocacy
The annual Grassroots Political Activist mini-convention was held in
GPAs listen as legislative issues such as school funding and pensions are discussed during their mini-convention.
Springfield Feb. 19-20. Each GPA was encouraged to bring their GO-Team (Grassroots Organizers). The IEA Professional Development Center was bursting with more than 100 participants.
Save wherever you are
Find out what vendors participate in cost-saving programs with NEA Member Benefits and through the Access Development Corp. Online shopping, local restaurants, vacation packages and more are available with merchants added frequently.
Go to the NEA MB website and register, or visit the IEA website and enter your 10-digit member ID number for more information.
Website of the Week
Blogging about the web 2.0 connected classroom is a blogsite chock full of resources, technology and education. Lots of short videos help any educator stay afloat in the sea of technology.