Third Time A Charm: It took three tries within a year’s time, but the levy finally passed. Many individuals and groups deserve much credit for our success, but teachers have to be near the top. We raised over $44,000 for the campaign, and our ad campaign with all other employee groups did net just over the cost of the ad. Thanks to all who reached into their pockets to help fund the campaign. We know things can get discouraging after two tries. Thanks also to those who helped make countless phone calls and lit drops. Clearly, it’s easier to write a check and be done with it than to walk or phone. Teachers came through in a big way in both efforts.

 

On the individual side, we have to single out Ellen McWilliams who was super human in coordinating the aign and making sure that all trains ran on time.

 

What Next? Not that we’re trying to be party-poopers, but the passage of Issue 6 is not a permanent solution to school funding problems. In all likelihood, there will be a statewide initiative on the ballot next November to address the problem. This effort is being spearheaded by a group of mayors, led by Akron’s own, who are attempting to build a coalition to get behind the effort. We expect this effort to pick up speed and attention now that the November elections have passed. We will keep you informed as developments occur.

 

The Political Landscape: Tuesday’s election means there will be many more friendly faces in Columbus. The House races resulted in a gain of 7, possibly 8 representatives whom we consider

much more supportive of public education than their vanquished opponents. On the Senate side, we picked up one more friend. Unfortunately, Judy Hanna fell short in her effort to defeat incumbent Kevin Coughlin, although we believe her strong showing may represent an attitude adjustment for Mr. Coughlin.

 

Most importantly, the Governor’s office will now be home to a friend of public education. We expect there to be some partnering between the Governor and the group mentioned earlier to come up with an adequate system of funding our schools.

 

APS Health Coverage Under Review: The Health Benefits Advisory Cte. (made up of employee group reps and administrators) has agreed to seek bids for our health care coverage. This does not mean our current plans will be replaced, although ultimately they could be. It has been several years since the district has asked for bids on the plan, and we are doing this to see how competitive our current plan is in terms of cost to us.

 

State health Care Plan: The State Health Care Board has been meeting frequently in recent months. Just how close they are to completing their work (a recommendation to the Governor) is not clear at this point, however, they are mandated to make a report by the end of this calendar year. They may or may not do that. We are certain that if the Board is not prepared to make a report by the legislated deadline, they will not make one.

We are monitoring their progress through attendance at the Board’s meetings and communications with fellow Hands Off Our Health Care Coalition members.