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A note of THANKS to our colleagues who took the time to cast a vote for us to represent YOU and JCEA at the 2006 NEA/RA in Orlando, Florida this July. The RA is the NEA's national convention attended by some 10,000 elected delegates representing local affiliates from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It is an opportunity to learn about new legislation, issues and trends that will affect us as educators. It also provides delegates an opportunity to voice their opinions, introduce new business items and resolutions that affect us not only in Jersey City but in school districts across the country. We are proud to be able to represent you at the RA. Once Again, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT. |
| Tell the People We Elected to: |
| STOP TUITION TAX CREDIT / VOUCHER BILL |
| (con't) The proposal is being pushed by a small, vocal group of people, backed by major funding from conservative, out-of-state interests with their own agenda for privatizing public education. It also comes at the worst possible time for the public school students of New Jersey where many districts operate with flat funding and unrealistic spending caps. With the state facing a more than $5 billion shortfall, it's irresponsible to even consider a proposal that would drain $360 million from the public schools and our communities, and divert it to private and religious schools. |
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What to Do: Write to Senate and Assembly Education Committee chairs and members. Tell them that this backdoor vouchers scheme is a bad idea for New Jersey. In your correspondence, refer to A-257 (Cruz-Perez, Hackett, McKeon) and S-1332 (Doria, Martin). |
| This legislation is irresponsible since it will take funding away from public schools. |
| This legislation will either cut public school budgets or force property taxes even higher |
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This legislation is out of touch with public opinion. |
| This legislation is unaccountable, while public schools are more accountable then ever. |
| PENSIONS & BENEFITS BACK IN THE NEWS |
| Since last spring, New Jersey's public employee pension and medical benefits systems have received intense scrutiny and criticism from the state's news media. In particular, the Gannett newspaper chain, led by the Asbury Park Press, has attacked New Jersey's pension and benefits system and has called for significant changes which would harm NJEA members. Over the last nine months, NJEA has made protection of pensions and benefits a top priority. Staff and governance have worked together diligently to understand the issues, to review applicable policy and to prepare a strategy to oppose any attack on members' benefits. |
| In early December, a Benefits Review Task Force (see Trenton's Plan for Pensions) appointed by then Governor Codey issued a report calling for changes to New Jersey's current system of funding and providing pensions and medical benefits to government employees, including NJEA members. While certain recommendations of the report regarding the need for responsible funding practices are acceptable, the task force ultimately called for reductions in earned benefits. NJEA is staunchly opposed to any reduction in benefits and has clearly expressed its position. |
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The task force's proposals cannot be implemented without legislative action. As of this time, there is no pending or proposed legislation to alter the state' system of providing pensions and retirement medical benefits. However, NJEA is prepared with a strategy to mobilize members and launch a major media campaign to protect members' benefits should any legislative threat arise. Until that time, NJEA is actively educating members about the issue and is putting staff, governance, and financial resources in place to ensure that we can act quickly and decisively when necessary. |
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Pension Funding Threatened |
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Attention NJEA members: Funding for your pension is being threatened in Trenton. |
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New Jersey State Legislature |
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| Pensions and post-retirement medical benefits for school employees are not gifts from the state. They are a form of deferred compensation and have been earned by school employees through a career of public service. | ||
| The state has made poor budgeting decisions over much of the past decade with regard to funding school employees' pensions and medical benefits. It is imperative that the state immediately return to fiscally sound funding practices to ensure the system's long-term stability. | ||
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While the state has failed to make the necessary contributions to the pension system over the last several years, school employees have continued to make their full required contribution out of each paycheck. |
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| It is unfair and unreasonable to expect school employees to accept a lower level of benefits than they have been promised and have earned. | ||
| Pensions and benefits are a very important factor in New Jersey's continued ability to attract and retain the highest quality employees to work in our public schools. Because New Jersey's public schools do not match the much higher salaries available to professionals in the private sector, New Jersey must continue to offer good benefits in order to remain competitive in the tight professional labor market. | ||
| Excellent schools are not merely an expense. They are an investment in New Jersey's future. Attracting high-quality teachers and education support professionals is vital to maintaining high quality schools. By investing in quality today, we help ensure prosperity in the future. | ||
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