Wednesday, September 11, 2013

MNEA: Legislature resisted risky tax scheme by upholding Nixon veto of HB 253

(From Missouri NEA President Charles Smith)

I wanted to share important news from Missouri's Capitol. This afternoon the Missouri Legislature upheld Governor Nixon's veto of House Bill 253. Today's victory is due to the hundreds of MNEA members who met with their lawmakers in-person and the thousands more who did so via phone, email and letters.
H.B. 253: A Risky Tax Scheme Endangering Our Students and Our SchoolsA bi-partisan coalition of Missouri Representatives chose to support our public school students and rejected the risky tax schemes of H.B. 253. H.B. 253 would have forced dangerous cuts to our public schools equal to laying-off more than 9,400 educators.
Strengthening our economy demands we invest in our students and our public schools. H.B. 253 would have taken our schools backward, forcing students into overcrowded classrooms with inadequate support and outdated materials. I am grateful that the Missouri House chose Missouri's children over the lobbyists and special interests behind H.B. 253.
Today we celebrate our victory. Tomorrow we continue our efforts in the Missouri Legislature as advocates on behalf of students, teachers and public schools. 
Already supporters of H.B. 253 have pledged to bring this anti-education bill back in January when the Missouri Legislature convenes for its regular session. 

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yay!! It will mean teachers won't get laid off and it will be safe to leave one district to go to another. Yippee!!! Maybe more supplies can be purchased if the fear of losing income is taken away. Gosh, the possibilities are limitless.