President Ken Swanson gives the most recent updates from Springfield regarding the Legislative Session.

President Swanson updates IEA members regarding the latest developments from this Legislative Session, including a call to action in support of HB 174.

President Swanson provides the most recent update from Springfield:

Watch and listen as IEA President Ken Swanson updates members on Statehouse matters.

This is a repost from the IEA website (http://www.ieanea.org/page319703931.aspx)

IEA MEMBER “TO DO” LIST

1) Circle May 29th May 31st, the General Assembly’s adjournment date, on the calendar.
By midnight on May 31st, it is expected the legislature will make key decisions that will affect IEA members, including whether to offer future members inferior benefits.

2) Go to the IEA Website and click on “My IEA Profile” and make sure your Association has the proper information on you, including the email address you check most often.
There could be a last moment “call to action” in which members are asked to contact their senators and representatives.  In that case, you would receive an email with an alert and talking points.

3) Circle May 23 and 24 on your calendar. On those days, your local legislators will be in their home districts participating in Memorial Day public events in your community.  They might also have home district office hours.  Call their offices, find out where they will be on Saturday and Sunday. Get a group of your colleagues together and plan to meet with your legislators to talk to them about your issues and how you expect them to vote.

Specifically, tell them to:

• Oppose any proposal that would reduce benefits for future education employees.  Education employees didn’t cause the problem and the current benefits are reasonable and comparable to those in other states.
• Oppose any proposal to under fund the state pension systems.
• Support an income tax increase that will provide adequate funding to all public schools at all levels, preK through higher education.

4)  Make a mental note to keep checking the IEA Website.
It will be updated regularly as new developments occur.

The following video contains an important message from IEA President Ken Swanson and Interim Executive Director Patti Hodges, recorded May 16, 2009.

Middle School Letter of Understanding

At yesterday’s Representative Council Meeting, the Rep. Council voted to approve the Middle School Letter of Understanding. Please see your rep. if you have any questions

Dan Brady Town Hall Meeting

Representative Dan Brady is having a town hall meeting on April 27th at 6:00 P.M. at Bloomington Junior High School to discuss issues taking place in Springfield. His office is aware that teachers are going to be there to ask him about school funding, the budget and TRS! You can find information on all of these topics here http://www.ieanea.org/factSheets.aspx. Let’s show how much we care about all of these issues and more by making our voice heard at this event!

Lobby Day—8 Spots Left!

Lobby Day (May 6th) is an opportunity to travel to Springfield to communicate with our legislators about topics that are important to teachers like school funding and retirement benefits. Get more information here http://www.ieanea.org/lobbyDay2009.aspx and let your building rep. or Jon Butler know if you are interested in attending.

NEA Fund for Children and Public Education

NEA has chosen UFEA along with other locals across Illinois to try and increase our political power at the Federal level. This is different than the part of our dues that pays for Illinois Political Action. Your building reps. will have more information about this program and how you can help out.

Fiesta—May 4th

Our annual Spring Membership meeting will be held at the IEA building on May 4th at 4:15. After a brief business meeting we will recognize our honorees for their service and have the chance to socialize and celebrate. Please let your building rep. know if you are planning on attending so that we can make sure there are enough refreshments for everybody!

NEA Member Benefits—Updated!

Visit NEA Member Benefits at www.neamb.com to find giveaways, discounts, tips, and informational materials for members. The site even includes links to teaching resources! The site has recently been updated to be even easier to find what you need.