Update: May 10th, 9:30 a.m.
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The Michigan Education Association worked to rally members in Genesee and Lapeer Counties against proposed cuts to education. Many teachers don’t need the union to inspire them to get fired up.
“Governor Snyder, come work in my school for one week and then tell me I’m overpaid,” said Flint teacher and librarian Donna Comstock-Herman.
At the MEA forum Monday evening, she and other teachers wrote letters to republican lawmakers. They want their representatives and senators to oppose Republican Governor Rick Snyder’s proposed cuts to education of about $470- per student.
The governor says our state needs to trim costs to thrive, but union leaders say the trimming should not be done to education.
“This isn't just an attack on education,” said MEA Region 10 President Frank Burger. “It is an attack on the middle class.”
The governor has said pay for public workers, such as teachers is too high when you compare it to pay in the private sector.
Many teachers say the governor’s assessment isn’t fair, because they are required to have advanced degrees, and work long hours to do their jobs.
“Everyone needs to be concerned about these cuts,” said Burger. “Its going to affect students in many ways. You'll see larger class sizes, fewer teachers working with students, and you'll see schools eliminate programs.”
State Representative Jim Ananich (D - Flint) and several other local lawmakers spoke to teachers.
Ananich says our state doesn't need to make such severe cuts, but many republicans are prioritizing cuts in taxes for businesses over education.
“There’s a 650 million dollar surplus in the education fund,” said Rep. Annanich. “This is a manufactured crisis, a choice republicans are making to cut education.”
