hey all – so for the good news – the NHEA supported candidates won re-election! NHEA sent out 2 different post card announcements via snail mail to local OEA and NEA members as a reminder to GOTV and show our support for Chad and Liz, we also sent out 2 text blasts as well, if you live local you probably have seen all or some of those efforts.
now for some more awareness about why voting matters – read this article in the PD
Ohio leads the nation = this article (sent to me by one of you) illustrates a common refrain…there is a systematic defunding of public schools happening under the facade of choice. Ohio leads the NATION in this defunding of public education, yes, this violates our state constitution, but when you have one of the most gerrymandered states in country, along with the election and appointment of judges, nothing happens to reverse this pattern. this will have a lasting impact – more money in the form of vouchers (you can receive $$ up to a family income of $225,000 for a family of 4, that is 750% of the poverty rate) = less students attending public schools (43,880 this year, by next year it is projected to be 150,000 students) = this means less teachers in public education = less payroll/funds = less funding of OEA = less looking out for your rights = less funding of retirement, etc. Yes, it is planned. All of this in an environment of groups like Moms for Liberty, Protect Ohio Children, the 1776 Project etc., driving wedge issues around books, marginalized/traumatized populations, safety etc…Those issues are feeding the frenzy to leave public schools and our legislature has provided the pathway via $$ = the state has committed to $252 million already this year to those 43,880 students – remember, next year it is expected to increase to 150,000 students = $$$$$$$$$$.
just letting you know…for all of you thinking “I don’t do politics”…politics is doing you everyday…from your entry to your exit…EVERY SINGLE DAY.