Committee votes for controversial teacher bill before hearing from teachers
02/18/2016

 

It was clear on the outset that many on the Senate Pension and Labor Committee had no interest in hearing from teachers on HB 1004, a teacher bill. The committee offered and voted on two amendments to the bill before anyone could testify and offer context, therefore it appears that the disposition of this bill was predetermined.

 

HB 1004 enables administrators to determine who gets to decide teachers’ salary supplements and whether the state will get to dangle a substandard defined contribution plan in front of fresh-out-of-college, and loaded-with student-debt, 22-year olds to see if they will do the state a lifelong and irrevocable favor and bite on the option.

 

HB 1004— a bill that is all about teacher pay and teacher retirement.

 

However, representatives from ISTA and AFT-Indiana, the two largest teacher associations in the state, were told that a vote on the bill was going to occur before their testimony would be allowed. 

 

In fact, ISTA’s testimony was interrupted and told that the vote would occur at that moment, but testimony could continue after the fact.

 

So, committee members were called to vote without hearing why teachers opposed major parts of this teacher bill.

 

And then legislators wonder why teachers feel disrespected.

 

Take action today, this weekend and next week. If you haven’t yet, write your Senator and tell him/her to vote “no” on HB 1004. Check our list of local events where you can tell your legislators, your story in person. Attend our Lobby Day of Action on Tuesday, Feb. 23.You will be briefed on current legislation and armed with the information you need to meet with your legislator.