Hoosier lawmakers restrict collective bargaining for teachers; vouchers next

[The Northerner]

Indiana Republicans have made two big gains in education policy. On Thursday a majority of the Indiana Senate approved what could become one of the most expansive school voucher programs in the nation. That comes just a day after the governor signed a new law that restricts collective bargaining for public school teachers.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels visited Valparaiso on Thursday to tout the momentum he and the Republican-controlled legislature have seen for their education agenda.

Speaking on the collective bargaining issue, Daniels, a Republican, deflected criticism of being anti-union. He said, under the new legislation, teachers still have the right to bargain over salaries and benefits; they are only losing out on bargaining over things that have nothing to do with educating children. He cited things like like the color of paint inside teachers’ lounges or the temperature inside of a school.

"This is the year we really transform Indiana for the better. I’m really very grateful for what the General Assembly has agreed to help us do," Daniels said before the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce at Strongbow Inn. "Now, we have to go and make that system work."

The restrictions on teachers’ collective bargaining take effect on July 1.

Read more: http://www.wbez.org/story/hoosier-lawmakers-restrict-collective-bargaining-teachers-vouchers-next-85521

[Contrary1]

1. First Indiana, then the US...

Let's make sure this clown doesn't make it to the White House.

Edit to add his quote "...they are only losing out on bargaining over things that have nothing to do with educating children. He cited things like like the color of paint inside teachers’ lounges or the temperature inside of a school."

Sure thing Mitch. That is why you fought so hard for it. :eyes:

[KansDem]

2. WTF???

Speaking on the collective bargaining issue, Daniels, a Republican, deflected criticism of being anti-union. He said, under the new legislation, teachers still have the right to bargain over salaries and benefits; they are only losing out on bargaining over things that have nothing to do with educating children. He cited things like like the color of paint inside teachers’ lounges or the temperature inside of a school.

So teachers won't have input into how hot or cold their classrooms are? Shouldn't teachers be the ones to decide? After all, they're their classrooms and their students. I'm sure there are optimum temperatures conducive to learning. Teachers would know.

And why can't teachers decide what color to paint their lounges?

Daniels is an ass...his ignorance only demonstrates that he is the last person who should be making these decisions...

[Contrary1]

3. If his lips are moving, you know he is practicing his favorite pastime...lying his ass off.

"Daniels' signature on Senate Bill 575 immediately prevents new teacher labor contracts from extending beyond two years and stops any current bargaining talks on teacher evaluation procedures.

Most of its provisions, such as limiting teachers unions to bargaining only on wages and wage-related benefits such as health insurance, go into effect July 1."

http://www.indystar.com/article/20110421/NEWS05/104210409/Education-reform-clears-2-hurdles?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|News|p