November 10, 2003

The MEA is claiming that school districts sitting on Fund Equities over 15% should get hit harder when the state makes its per pupil cuts. Rationale: The school districts with more than 15% are making money rather than maintaining a status quo. Remember schools have non-profit status. Also, more than half of the locals on MEA’s crisis list (having a terrible time bargaining) have fund equities over 15%. Which means $’s are not the issue at the table but rather the need to withhold those $’s from the employees.

Statewide, districts with higher fund equities typically have insurance caps and lower wages than the surrounding districts. Locally, Alpena Public Schools is carrying a seven plus million dollar fund equity (18.8%) and is proposing a ½% increase for last year and a freeze this year (2003-04) for the Alpena ESP II unit (instructional aides, paraprofessionals, security and less than three-hour cooks). The Alpena Board has since given the administration a 3% raise for 2002-03 and 2003-04 while pleading poor mouth to the Alpena ESP II unit. Go figure!

So why are we in this financial fix? Simple! For the last four years the Legislature has spent more money than they had coming in. So, where did they get the $’s? From the Rainy Day Fund (Fund Equity). As income decreased, draws from the Rainy Day Fund continued. The income to the State School Aid Fund has decreased steadily over the last four years, yet spending has increased—duh! The Legislature has spent it as savings and still has yet to pay the bills (Student Foundation Grant). So what is the Legislature going to do—reduce the amount paid to the districts! Wouldn’t it be nice to just tell Penney’s, Sears, the power company, etc., sorry, can’t afford to pay the monthly bill so I’ll just send you 3% less for the rest of this year and see if things get better. Oh, by the way, I’m giving part of my salary back to my employer so he/she feels good!

Yes, indeed, in addition to over spending, the Legislature, in its infinite wisdom, is giving back money to the taxpayers— .1% on the personal income tax.

Now come on, most folks work extra to pay extra bills. Not this Legislature—they are sitting on their haunches and making the Governor the heavy, as she is responsible for maintaining a balanced budget that the legislators have askewed.

Solution: Suck it up or increase the revenue. Tell your legislator how you want him/her to act. Phone and email the Governor, State Representative and State Senator.

Governor Jennifer Granholm 517/373-3400 Go into www.michigan.gov  , then "Quick Links – Governor", then "email from the Gov"

On October 23, 2003, the State Board of Education approved the ParaPro Assessment developed by Educational Testing Service (ETS) for the purpose of conducting a standard setting study. Once this study has been completed, a recommendation will be made to the State Board of Education to approve the ParaPro Assessment as a third assessment option to meet the Title I paraprofessional requirements. As you are aware, the Basic Skills Test of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification and the WorkKeys Assessments have already been approved as assessment options.

Join now! It only costs $150.00 now! Come September 1, 2004, the cost will be $200.00

…new airline passenger weight estimates may force some planes, especially small ones, to fly with fewer passengers? The per-passenger weight estimate has been raised by 10 pounds to 195 pounds to improve safety. The assumed weight for each checked bag has been raised by five pounds, to 30 pounds. Diane Spitaliere, spokesperson, Federal Aviation Administration, Washington, DC.

…Dial *57 to help police trace a threatening call immediately after receiving one on a landline. The phone company will report the caller’s number to the police. Check with your service provider—you may need to sign up to this service and be charged $1 per use. Samuel A. Simon, founder, Telecommunications Research and Action Center, Washington, DC.

…Honey may help prevent heart disease and cancer. It is as rich in antioxidants as some fruits and vegetables. The darker the color, the higher the antioxidant level. Buckwheat honey has the highest levels. Clover honey—the most commonly available type—has two to three times less but still is a good antioxidant source. Use honey instead of sugar in cereal, tea, etc. Nicki Engeseth, PhD, associate professor of food chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, and leader of a study of honey’s effect on human Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.