Words from the Prez, February 2014

Post date: Feb 20, 2014 1:59:08 PM

I’d like to thank everyone that took time to visit with Senator Ford last month.  I think the overall tone of the meeting was positive; he did listen to our concerns and even asked for input on a couple of issues.

The legislature is open for business and there are a number of education-related bills that have been proposed.   There is no specific bill addressing pension changes, but there are a number of “shell” bills that could be used to make changes later in the legislative session.  There are a number of bills regarding testing, the reading sufficiency act, common core, and school funding.  There are too many to discuss in this space, but you can find a more complete listing at the following link:  http://ecapitol.net/email/email_0WSB_3ZB03MWH0.htm  

It is important during the legislative session to stay informed and contact your legislators when necessary.  The OEA web-site has a legislative page with up-to-date information including “bill tracking” and contact information for legislators.  The web address is http://okea.org/legislative.  As always, remember to use your home e-mail to make legislative contacts.  You can also “friend” OEA on Facebook. 

Cheryl Fentress                                                                               

BEA President