The education bill has passed the Legislature and is now waiting for the Governor's signature. Will he stand by the kids of Kansas and veto this bill? Or will he choose to satisfy his campaign donors, no matter how many parents he offends? I think we all know the answer to that, but let's take a look at what the two sides have to say. First up, the Koch brothers...
Jeff Glendening, state director of the Kansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AKA the Koch brothers), said, “The removal of teacher tenure was a great win for Kansas students,” adding, “We appreciate the willingness of the Legislature to place the interests of Kansas children over the welfare of the teachers...”- NYT
Good luck making sense of that statement. Taking due process away from teachers benefits students? Teachers without rights teach better? The more intimidated the teacher the better the student? The answer of course is that it only benefits the super-rich who are desperately clinging to their undeserved tax breaks and are unwilling to pay their fair share towards a better Kansas.
Technically the Governor still has a choice. He could choose to support the 14,000 Kansas families who signed our petition against the bill this week. He could veto the bill as demanded by teachers and parents from around the state.
the Kansas National Education Association issued a statement urging members and supporters to contact Mr. Brownback with a specific message: “We expect you, Governor Brownback, to VETO this bill as it diminishes teachers’ ability to advocate for their students without fear of retribution.” - NYT
Your thoughts Governor?
“The school finance bill passed by the Kansas legislature today fully complies with, and indeed exceeds, the requirements of the recent Kansas Supreme Court ruling for funding schools and providing equity. House Bill 2506 increases funding to Kansas schools by $73 million and includes $78 million of property tax relief. The bill ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently, putting money in the classrooms to help teachers teach and students learn. I appreciate the efforts of the legislature, and especially the hard work and leadership of Speaker Merrick and President Wagle.” -official statement
One might think Governor Brownback has already made up his mind. Kansas kids just don't make the cut. Is there any common sense left in Kansas politics anymore? Yes, if you look in the right place.
Representative Paul Davis, who is challenging Mr. Brownback for governor, argued that a bill aimed at solving inequities in financing should not to be loaded with separate education policy matters. And, on Twitter, he described the changes to firing procedures as a “clear attack” on teachers.
Crossposted from StopBrownback. Join us on Facebook!
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