Texas Senate approves teacher furlough bill

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/texas-legislature/headlines/20110606-texas-senate-approves-teacher-furlough-bill.ece

AUSTIN — School districts would have new authority to furlough teachers and cut their salaries to save money under a bill the Senate approved Monday as lawmakers prepare to cut $4 billion from education funding.

The legislation, sought by school superintendents but opposed by teacher groups, also would eliminate seniority protection for certain veteran teachers and give districts the right not to renew teacher contracts much closer to the end of the school year.

Senators passed the measure, 18-12, along partisan lines, as teachers and their supporters rallied against it at the Capitol. All Republicans who were present voted yes, while all Democrats voted no. The bill now goes to the House.

Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Florence Shapiro, author of the bill, said the options are tools for districts to cope with funding cuts over the next two years, although she noted the cost-cutting options will probably become law too late to help districts in the coming school year.

“School districts don’t want to fire teachers, but they have no other choices under current law,” said Shapiro, R-Plano. “This gives them tools so they can avoid firing teachers.”

Shapiro pointed out that school districts are not required to use furloughs and pay cuts, and many may choose not to. Districts would be allowed to require their teachers to take up to six days of unpaid furlough on noninstructional days under the legislation.

Two-year limit rejected

Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, tried to amend the bill with a two-year limitation on the options, arguing that lawmakers should decide in their next session whether the furloughs and pay reductions should remain in place.

“This would make it clear that we are offering a temporary tool for a temporary problem,” she said.

Shapiro opposed the amendment, and it was rejected along party lines.



So we OFFICIALLY know Republicans hate education and therefore hate children.

[w8liftinglady]

1. sigh... some comments

"I'm not an educator and I'm thrilled and excited. Living within our means...something our federal government doesn't understand."

"Yo Liberals! The real sleeping (citizen taxpayer voters) giant woke up right after Obama the Marxist-Socialist and his Big Government Socialist Party rammed that socialist health care bill into law and when those greedy Wisconsin school teachers damaged their state capitol while championing their right to retain their unrealistic pension plans. The sleeping giant you liberals woke up is simply no match to your special interest sleeping puppy. Bring it on; we're ready for June 12, 2012."

"Good news. Looks like my letters and elected officials are doing exactly what we need them to do. Live within a budget. Now if only our fed officials would do the same. I know, I dreaming now."

[sonias]

2. "greedy Wisconsin school teachers"

Yes those are some really sick comments. These are the kind of sheep that turn on themselves. Never mind the ripoff of billions of taxpayer dollars that went to Wall Street and corporate pocket. No lets demonize the poor overworked, underpaid front line worker - the teacher. :cry:

[thanks_imjustlurking]

3. I don't got mine, so you don't get yours.

I'm frightened, so you should be *really* frightened. All the while the millionaires, billionaires, and corporations snicker at us, if they think of us at all.

[sonias]

4. Corporate media helped them game the system

TV was the mass drug they fed the masses and the indoctrination has been better than actual brain washing. The people in this country have completely forgotten how to think for themselves. They let the mega media conglomerates decide how they should feel and who they should hate.

We are sheep. :(

[plumbob]

5. Well, look on the bright side! At least Texas colleges will save $$$

by being able to let go their education staffs, since no rational student in Texas would ever want to be an educator again.

Remember, in T- Panty Party thinking, less spending for any government program is good!

I personally am looking forward to not having to pay for fire protection and police in heavy T- Panty Party areas.

[Ishoutandscream2]

6. Three more years and I can retire

Counting the days, and not holding my breath.