MEA and others file lawsuit to invalidate illegal ‘right-to-work’ law

Posted on 02/01/13 at 9:49am

EAST LANSING, Mich., Feb. 1, 2013 — Michigan’s new “right-to-work” law should be overturned because the state Legislature violated state and federal open government laws when passing it, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by the Michigan Education Association and others in Ingham County Circuit Court.
Without a single public hearing, the state House and Senate passed legislation on the afternoon of Dec. 6 to make Michigan a right-to-work state. Simultaneously that afternoon, state police barred citizens from entering the Capitol, despite state law that requires the Capitol to remain open when the Legislature is in session. In addition, partisan legislative staffers were also ordered to fill the public galleries in the House and Senate to stop regular citizens from observing the votes.
According to the lawsuit, Michigan lawmakers violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act, the state Constitution and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
"By allowing state police to block citizens from entering the Capitol, Lansing politicians not only violated the basic American principles of open and transparent government, they also violated specific state and federal laws designed to protect the rights of citizens," MEA President Steven Cook said. "We're confident the courts will agree that the Legislature's actions on the afternoon of Dec. 6 constituted a clear violation of the Open Meetings Act and should be invalidated."

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Pontiac schools in dire need of help for basic school supplies

Posted on 01/28/13 at 4:10pm

The massive underfunding of public education has created an untenable crisis for educators in yet another Michigan school district.

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Read Across America

Posted on 01/29/13 at 10:00am

NEA's Read Across America Day on March 1 is more than just a one-day celebration of reading on Dr. Seuss' birthday. It's an opportunity to focus on an initiative that promotes reading every day.

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Michigan citizens want more support for educators, survey says

Posted on 01/23/13 at 9:14am

Three-quarters of Michiganders say providing stronger support for educators is "critical" or "important" if the state is to improve student learning.

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Statement from MEA President Steve Cook on Gov. Snyder’s State of the State address

Posted on 01/16/13 at 8:35pm

EAST LANSING, Mich., Jan. 16, 2013 — The following statement can be attributed to MEA President Steven Cook, in response to Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State address:

 “Governor Snyder claims he wants to build bridges, but he’s already burned them to the ground.

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Student filmmakers get opportunity to shine

Posted on 01/08/13 at 1:13pm

The next Steven Spielberg or Orson Welles could be sitting in a Michigan classroom right now. We're one step closer to finding out, as student filmmakers from high schools across Michigan will compete for over $20,000 in prizes as part of the Meijer Great Choices Student Film Festival.

Participants will submit 30-second public service announcements highlighting one of three positive themes: building character, promoting healthy lifestyles and celebrating diversity. The videos will be targeted to one of two audiences: K-6 students, and students in grades 7-12.

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Letters on school safety

Posted on 12/18/12 at 10:06am

Fewer than 14 years after the Columbine tragedy, the events last Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., have once again brought school violence into the national discussion. MEA Voice is seeking letters to the editor from MEA members on the topic of school safety.

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House adjourns without passing EAA and conversion school bills

Posted on 12/14/12 at 4:15pm

The Michigan Legislature adjourned for the year early Friday morning without taking up legislation that would allow the creation of so-called "conversion schools" or a statewide school takeover district.

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Michigan educators win NEA Foundation grants for innovation

Posted on 12/04/12 at 9:17am

Six Michigan educators recently received a combined $12,000 in grants from the National Education Association Foundation to help support their innovative techniques for improving student achievement and encouraging professional development.

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Show off your creative side in the 49th Annual MEA art exhibit

Posted on 12/10/12 at 4:21pm

MEA members are invited to submit original works of art for the 49th Annual MEA/Michigan Art Education Association Art Acquisitions Purchase Exhibition. 

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Final deadline for MPSERS retirement elections is Wednesday, Jan. 9

Final deadline for MPSERS retirement elections is Wednesday, Jan. 9

Posted on 12/18/12 at 10:02am

Members of the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, to make their final elections on pension and retiree benefits.

Members hired before July 1, 2010, have three options:

1. Remit higher contributions in exchange for retaining the 1.5-percent pension multiplier for future years of service. Employees will be required to identify whether they wish to contribute the higher amounts until retirement, or until they achieve 30 years of service.
2. Remit the same contributions as before, but have a 1.25-percent pension multiplier for future years of service.
3. Remit no contributions, freeze the existing pension benefit, and convert to a specified 4-percent defined contribution plan for future years of service. 

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Information to Help You Make Your Retirement Decision Under S.B. 1040

Posted on 12/19/12 at 10:55am

View a video from the MEA General Counsel discussing the choice you must make under S.B. 1040 (P.A. 300). He also discusses MEA's legal fight on your behalf.

To help members navigate all the changes SB 1040 has brought, MEA Financial Services has been scheduling informational sessions across the state. If you haven’t been able to attend one of the sessions, you can view MEA Financial Services Manager Ross Wilson’s presentation and his Power Point.

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