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House and Senate each approve funding increases for schools and educators – March 2

It’s only House and Senate floor time from here on out. The Senate unanimously passed a bill (HB396) providing flexible, educator-directed paid time for job-related duties performed outside of contract time. The House unanimously approved a significant increase in new education funding, including a 6.1% increase in the WPU. The House also voted to expand the special needs voucher program (SB62).

House Floor (reported by Mike Kelley): The following UEA-tracked bills were heard in the House:

Senate Floor (reported by Mike Kelley): The following UEA-tracked bills were heard in the Senate:

 

Policy Ambassador Messages

In 2022, 15 educators were selected as UEA Policy Ambassadors. These teachers received training from the UEA Legislative Team and agree to engage with legislators and share their experiences with UEA members. Here is an excerpt from a new submission:

Rebecca Packard, right, is an aspiring educator.

Seeking Solidarity, and Finding It

Submitted by aspiring educator and UEA Policy Ambassador Rebecca Packard

“When a UEA representative spoke in the Secondary Methods Seminar last semester, I knew I would become a member. Discussion before class was discouraging—basically the consensus was that the association is a great idea, but it was a big expense. True, given most teachers’ salaries, but my experience as a UEA Policy Ambassador showed me it is worth it…”

 

Upcoming Schedule

Floor Time schedule for March 3:

  • House – 8 a.m. – noon, 2 – 4 p.m., 5 p.m. – as needed
  • Senate – 9 a.m. – 11:50 a.m., 2 – 4 p.m., 5 p.m. – as needed

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