News from the states

Unfortunately, the list of states facing drastic education budget cuts or attacks on union rights and collective bargaining continues to grow.

With the upcoming RA’s focus on political attacks and union activity across the country, here’s a state-by-state update of legislative activity as of May 30.

Alabama – An Anti-Tenure Bill impacting teacher dismissal policies, the appeals process and other tenure issues now heads to the governor for signature.

Arizona – AEA has filed a lawsuit contesting the constitutionality of SB 1365 which eliminates payroll deduction.

Idaho – Because signature gatherers reached their goal, repeal of laws restricting collective bargaining rights, teacher merit pay and a Laptop for Teachers bill which shifts money from salaries to classroom technology will be on the Nov. 2012 ballot.

Illinois – A House Committee approved SB512 to cut pension benefits for active participants in state retirement systems; the union was able to fight it off because legislators decided that due to “union pressure,” and the highly emotional issue of pension reform, hearings needed to be held this summer. Republicans, declaring redistricting maps unfair, presented their own plan that probably has no chance in a Democratic-controlled legislature; there is still is no compromise on a budget which is due July 1.

Louisiana – A bill to eliminate tenure for bus drivers was defeated.

Maine – Public sector Right to Work will resurface in a scheduled committee hearing.

Massachusetts – The approved-Senate version of the state budget narrows the ability to negotiate health benefits; the House version stripped away members’ ability to bargain health care benefits.

Michigan – Ahead of schedule, lawmakers approved a budget that cuts $1 billion from K-12, 15 percent from community colleges and universities and $470 per K-12 pupil; recall petitions for the governor, Republican legislators and the Emergency Manager legislation continue to circulate; legislation to force public employees to pay a minimum of 20 percent of their health care and/or a hard cap and eliminate tenure are still pending.

Minnesota – Gov. Dayton vetoed all Republican budget bills; preparations are underway for a government shutdown on July 1; Gov. vetoed SF170 which requires teachers to pass a basic skills test before licensing, but he still wants significant changes in standards for teaching candidates.

Nebraska – Changes to the Commission on Industrial Relations maintains collective bargaining rights; lawmakers approved new congressional and legislative maps that strengthen the GOP’s edge in the U.S. House.

Nevada – The Senate Education Committee passed two Democratic-supported bills making it easier to fire underperforming teachers and administrators; Republicans opposed the bills because it “conceded too much to unions.”

New Hampshire – The House postponed a vote to override the governor’s veto of a Right to Work bill because they didn’t have the votes.

New Jersey – The state’s Supreme Court ordered the state to spend an additional $500 million on public education next year in poor districts; the decision stems from a legal battle over whether Gov. Christie’s cuts to education were unconstitutional; the decision does not boost funding statewide; a balanced state budget is due July 1.

New York – A Democrat won the special congressional election in a strong Republican district; a bill to impose a 2 percent property tax cap that would greatly impact school budgets has been introduced.

North Carolina – The Senate version of the budget looks better than the House version but includes merit pay; the bill to do away with dues deduction for NCAE passed the State Senate Rules Committee.

Ohio – Michelle Rhee and Student First hired a lobbyist to work on Gov. Kasich’s legislation that stripped collective bargaining rights of police, firefighters and teachers; the law prevents unions from negotiating wages, eliminates automatic pay increases and bans strikes; signature gathering for the governor’s recall continues with 230,000 signatures needed by the June 30 deadline.

Pennsylvania – The House version of the budget has been passed which cuts about $500 million from education and keeps the budget surplus intact; the governor wanted more in cuts.

Rhode Island – The House Speaker and Senate President are in favor of a Special Session to make significant pension system changes.

South Carolina – The State House defeated a voucher bill.

Tennessee – Anti-collective bargaining legislation passed and was sent to the governor; the bill prohibits teachers from collectively bargaining over issues like class size, school schedules, pay rates, teacher assignment, and evaluations.

Texas – A state budget which cuts $4 billion from education while keeping $6 billion in the Rainy Day Fund intact moves to the full House and Senate for anticipated votes.

Wisconsin – A Dane Co. judge struck down Gov. Walker’s anti-collective bargaining law.