Important message from Barbara Keshishian & Vince Giordano:
Hold the date!
Citizens Rally for a Just Budget
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Statehouse in Trenton
Times and other details to follow.
Please begin organizing your members to attend this rally.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Thursday, April 08, 2010
CWA RALLY - APRIL 13
CWA is conducting town hall meetings with legislators and have requested our participation. As such, CWA is asking for our assistance in a showing of support for similar issues that are being felt by NJEA members. This event will take place outside of the location listed below. It is their form of legislative dinners. We realize that Region 3 local presidents will be meeting with their field reps, however, do what you can do to get your LAT Committees to attend. Just as a reminder, CWA members marched shoulder to shoulder with us during our Freeholder rally last spring. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated. Contact Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org with names of members willing to attend this rally.
Here are the details of the scheduled town hall meeting with
legislators:
CHERRY HILL, APRIL 13, 6 p.m., Cherry Hill Holiday Inn, 2175 West Marlton
Pike, Cherry Hill
Here are the details of the scheduled town hall meeting with
legislators:
CHERRY HILL, APRIL 13, 6 p.m., Cherry Hill Holiday Inn, 2175 West Marlton
Pike, Cherry Hill
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
FAKE NJEA WEBSITE
On March 27, a website name was registered using a variant of our NJEA.org website name. On March 28, a hostile disinformation site went up using the “spoofed” website name. The purpose of this anti-NJEA website, which incorporates our name and trademarks, is to post radically anti-public education messages and falsehoods about NJEA and NEA. The site advertised itself on Google in order to draw traffic by pretending to be a pro-education, anti-Christie site. The purpose was obviously to draw unsuspecting members and supporters to see a negative message in order to drive a wedge between them and NJEA. It featured, among other things, a made-up set of talking points from an imaginary NJEA spokesman urging members to "use children" to advance their own cause.
The site was registered anonymously, in order to make it more difficult to track the site operator. Since yesterday morning, we have succeeded in forcing Google to stop others from using NJEA trademarked materials in advertisements. The site is still online, in a different format, and it is still using "NJEA" in its name. We continue to pursue all avenues to force the site operator to stop using NJEA’s name or any images which would mislead the public into believing that it is affiliated in any way with NJEA. We are pursuing available legal recourse against the site operator.
We are intentionally not providing a link to the site because we do not wish to drive any additional traffic or attention to it, which might grant it an appearance of legitimacy. However, we wanted to make you aware of it in case you get questions from members, or hear about it from other sources. It also serves as a warning to everyone who operates a website to be careful about what else is available online. If the opponents of public education are willing to stoop to this level of dishonesty, we should expect that there are likely to be more dirty tricks of this type. Be alert, and if you see anything suspicious online, please let NJEA know immediately.
The site was registered anonymously, in order to make it more difficult to track the site operator. Since yesterday morning, we have succeeded in forcing Google to stop others from using NJEA trademarked materials in advertisements. The site is still online, in a different format, and it is still using "NJEA" in its name. We continue to pursue all avenues to force the site operator to stop using NJEA’s name or any images which would mislead the public into believing that it is affiliated in any way with NJEA. We are pursuing available legal recourse against the site operator.
We are intentionally not providing a link to the site because we do not wish to drive any additional traffic or attention to it, which might grant it an appearance of legitimacy. However, we wanted to make you aware of it in case you get questions from members, or hear about it from other sources. It also serves as a warning to everyone who operates a website to be careful about what else is available online. If the opponents of public education are willing to stoop to this level of dishonesty, we should expect that there are likely to be more dirty tricks of this type. Be alert, and if you see anything suspicious online, please let NJEA know immediately.
Monday, March 29, 2010
POSSIBLE PERSONAL CALLS FROM THE GOVERNOR
As some of you may already know, we have received a report that a representative from the Governor’s office is calling local presidents DIRECTLY. These calls seem to be random. We are recommending the following response for you to say should you receive a call:
1. Thank you for your call.
2. Please tell the governor he may be surprised to know that my members
already pay towards their health coverage.
3. Even if we agree to freeze wages he has cut so much that layoffs are
unavoidable.
4. We have great schools here. I represent really terrific people and he has
demonized them beyond repair.
5. My local will consider your request very carefully.
We are sending this information quickly and have not had time to confirm the identity of the caller.
If you receive one of these phone calls, it would be helpful if you would kindly contact the UniServ office to let us know. This may help in identifying any pattern or assist us in identifying the caller.
As always, thank you so much for all that you do on behalf of your members.
1. Thank you for your call.
2. Please tell the governor he may be surprised to know that my members
already pay towards their health coverage.
3. Even if we agree to freeze wages he has cut so much that layoffs are
unavoidable.
4. We have great schools here. I represent really terrific people and he has
demonized them beyond repair.
5. My local will consider your request very carefully.
We are sending this information quickly and have not had time to confirm the identity of the caller.
If you receive one of these phone calls, it would be helpful if you would kindly contact the UniServ office to let us know. This may help in identifying any pattern or assist us in identifying the caller.
As always, thank you so much for all that you do on behalf of your members.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
STATEWIDE PRESIDENTS' MEETING - MARCH 18, 2010
As you know, an urgent meeting has been called for all local presidents Statewide on Thursday, March 18 at the East Brunswick Hilton. This meeting will begin promptly at 6:45 p.m. It is crucial that you make this your utmost priority.
Please RSVP to your UniServ office ASAP and no later than Friday, March 12, so that we can determine the number of buses that will be needed. Details will be sent to you early next week regarding transportation.
Additionally, we are asking every local president to do the following:
Please RSVP to your UniServ office ASAP and no later than Friday, March 12, so that we can determine the number of buses that will be needed. Details will be sent to you early next week regarding transportation.
Additionally, we are asking every local president to do the following:
- Every local president calls to schedule a meeting with their legislators. No response? Then call again.
- Every local association put activities in place for members to call, write, fax, and email their legislators.
- Encourage members to sign up for the legislative dinner on March 25.
The message is simple. The issues before you, as a legislator, are important and deserve careful scrutiny and research. We are asking members of the assembly to support the principles of collective bargaining.
Consultants will be contacting each local president at the end of the week for a report as to what was done regarding the bulleted directives. Presidents who fail to respond to our consultants will receive a personal phone call from their UniServ office as to why an association would fail to carry out these directives.
Any president who needs assistance should contact their UniServ rep for additional help. We strongly urge you and your members to monitor njea.org to keep abreast of the issues. This site changes almost daily.
Monday, March 01, 2010
NEW JERSEY FOURTH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Senator Fred Madden
Assemblyman Paul Moriarty
Dear Neighbor,
As you know, the global economic recession has had a devastating impact on taxpayers across the nation and here in New Jersey. People are losing their jobs. Families are losing their homes. Everyone must do more with less.
We must demand no less from our state government. As our working families are forced to watch every dollar they spend, they have every right to demand that their government in Trenton do the same. In fact, it should be held to the highest standards of commonsense spending, cost-efficiency, and accountability. Cutting the waste out of state government spending is the only way we are going to get New Jersey's unacceptably high tax rates under control.
Your input is critical to us as we consider steps to meet the budget emergency here in New Jersey. As your state representatives in the 4th District, we want to know how you think we should reduce spending, and which programs or services you believe should be cut. We also would encourage you to offer any innovative ideas or proposals, however outside-the-box they may seem. No one's opinions are more important than yours.
The governor is seeking $500 million in unilateral cuts in school aid, but we want to hear your perspective on this before spending on our schools and other essential services is reduced in the weeks and months ahead. We will read every comment, so please try to be as constructive as possible.
Everything is on the table. No one's opinion will be ignored. All ideas will be considered on their merit, without regard to whether they come from a Democrat, Republican, or an Independent.
You may reply to this message with your suggestions through email at info@njleg4.com. Please be as specific as possible. All ideas are welcome, regardless of how big or small they may seem, and whether they come from a large organization or small household. All of us can and should have a hand in finding workable solutions to the state's serious budget problems.
Currently, we have two district offices to serve the residents of the 4th District.
Our Gloucester County office is located at 129 Johnson Road, Suite 1, Turnersville, NJ 08012, telephone (856) 232-6700.
Please take note, our Camden County office has been relocated to 1031 Little Gloucester Road, Suite 3, Blackwood, NJ 08012, telephone (856) 401-3073.
To meet the needs of our constituents, we are now open six days a week, with office hours on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-12:00pm. Please feel free to visit us.
Thank you in advance for your comments and ideas. Together, we can make New Jersey a more affordable place to live and work.
Sincerely,
Fred Madden, State Senator
Paul Moriarty, State Assemblyman
Senator Fred Madden & Assemblyman Paul Moriarty
Senator Fred Madden & Assemblyman Paul Moriarty
P.O. Box 8831
Turnersville, NJ 08012
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!
Yesterday, the N. J. State Senate voted unanimously on a package of three bills aimed at reducing pensions and benefits (S2, S3, and S4) - each passed by a 36 - 0 vote (Sens. Baroni, Rice, and Turner did not vote; Sen. Allen was not present.) For information on these bills, go to njea.org. There was no deliberation or discussion of the impact of these bills that were introduced 14 days ago.
The battle now moves to the Assembly. The Assembly leadership committed to a more deliberative process, which will include public discussion.
NJEA is urging all members to immediately contact their Assembly members, and tell them to oppose these bills. We have planned additional lobby days for March 8, 11, and 15. If you or your members would like to attend, please contact the UniServ office, and we will notify our Government Relations contact. Locals may want to plan cyber lobby lunches or after-school activities around these issues.
In addition, members should contact members of the State Senate, and express their disappointment with their vote.
Please keep a watchful eye to njea.org for up to the minute information.
The battle now moves to the Assembly. The Assembly leadership committed to a more deliberative process, which will include public discussion.
NJEA is urging all members to immediately contact their Assembly members, and tell them to oppose these bills. We have planned additional lobby days for March 8, 11, and 15. If you or your members would like to attend, please contact the UniServ office, and we will notify our Government Relations contact. Locals may want to plan cyber lobby lunches or after-school activities around these issues.
In addition, members should contact members of the State Senate, and express their disappointment with their vote.
Please keep a watchful eye to njea.org for up to the minute information.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
UniServ Reminders
Training Workshops
The UniServ offices would like to remind local presidents that when planning an NJEA sponsored workshop, it is the responsibility of the local to set that up directly with their field rep and make certain that, if reimbursement is needed, a workshop request has been filed. In order to receive 60% funding from NJEA for meals following a workshop, paperwork must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the training date and sessions must be a minimum of two hours. Dinner receipts must be received at the UniServ office no later than 30 days following the workshop to receive your 60% reimbursement.
PRIDE Reimbursement
This year our locals statewide have set an all-time record for Pride proposals. Although that is good news, it does create some funding issues. It is imperative that locals with fall projects submit bills for payment ASAP. This will help NJEA calculate any encumbered funds for the spring.
The UniServ offices would like to remind local presidents that when planning an NJEA sponsored workshop, it is the responsibility of the local to set that up directly with their field rep and make certain that, if reimbursement is needed, a workshop request has been filed. In order to receive 60% funding from NJEA for meals following a workshop, paperwork must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the training date and sessions must be a minimum of two hours. Dinner receipts must be received at the UniServ office no later than 30 days following the workshop to receive your 60% reimbursement.
PRIDE Reimbursement
This year our locals statewide have set an all-time record for Pride proposals. Although that is good news, it does create some funding issues. It is imperative that locals with fall projects submit bills for payment ASAP. This will help NJEA calculate any encumbered funds for the spring.
Friday, October 30, 2009
HEALTH & SAFETY ADVISORY / ALERT
Health and Safety Advisory/Alert: Beware of Zimek Fogging for H1N1 (Swine Flu) Prevention
In August 2009, a Monmouth County school district was the first in the nation to purchase several Zimek Micro Mist Room and Vehicle Decontamination Systems for fogging classrooms and school buses with quaternary ammonium (quat) disinfectant pesticides to kill the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus. The cost - $132,000. The systems consist of an aerosol generator that creates dry, negatively charged particles of less than one micron in diameter of an anti-microbial pesticide and a HEPA filtering unit to remove airborne residue from the application area.
The proposed fogging was both dangerous and unnecessary, since the government flu recommendations are to keep sick and high-risk staff and students’ home, wash hands, perform routine cleaning, and get early treatment. Schools are also urged to clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact. Additional disinfection is not recommended.
If fogging had been allowed to take place, staff and students would have been exposed to disinfectant residues because the micro particles adhere to all surfaces, such as books, papers, upholstery, carpeting, stuffed animals, cardboard, as well as intended surfaces such as doorknobs and desks. The proposed fogging could have put students and staff at risk of quat triggered irritation, sensitization, and asthma attacks.
In this case, an NJEA UniServ Field Representative, the NJ Work Environment Council (WEC) and the local association organized to stop the use of the Zimek systems because quats are not approved for fogging in schools at this time. Unfortunately, because selling these machines to schools is lucrative, Zimek may figure out a way to allow schools to be fogged with quats or other pesticides in the future and approach other districts in New Jersey.
Please contact your UniServ office immediately if you hear anything about your district or board of education purchasing a Zimek system.
We want to prevent any chance of this company unnecessarily exposing our members or students to this or other toxic disinfectants.
In August 2009, a Monmouth County school district was the first in the nation to purchase several Zimek Micro Mist Room and Vehicle Decontamination Systems for fogging classrooms and school buses with quaternary ammonium (quat) disinfectant pesticides to kill the H1N1 (“swine flu”) virus. The cost - $132,000. The systems consist of an aerosol generator that creates dry, negatively charged particles of less than one micron in diameter of an anti-microbial pesticide and a HEPA filtering unit to remove airborne residue from the application area.
The proposed fogging was both dangerous and unnecessary, since the government flu recommendations are to keep sick and high-risk staff and students’ home, wash hands, perform routine cleaning, and get early treatment. Schools are also urged to clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact. Additional disinfection is not recommended.
If fogging had been allowed to take place, staff and students would have been exposed to disinfectant residues because the micro particles adhere to all surfaces, such as books, papers, upholstery, carpeting, stuffed animals, cardboard, as well as intended surfaces such as doorknobs and desks. The proposed fogging could have put students and staff at risk of quat triggered irritation, sensitization, and asthma attacks.
In this case, an NJEA UniServ Field Representative, the NJ Work Environment Council (WEC) and the local association organized to stop the use of the Zimek systems because quats are not approved for fogging in schools at this time. Unfortunately, because selling these machines to schools is lucrative, Zimek may figure out a way to allow schools to be fogged with quats or other pesticides in the future and approach other districts in New Jersey.
Please contact your UniServ office immediately if you hear anything about your district or board of education purchasing a Zimek system.
We want to prevent any chance of this company unnecessarily exposing our members or students to this or other toxic disinfectants.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Last Call Campaign Party !
Please have all names to us by 3 p.m. Wednesday!
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than 3 p.m. on October 14th.
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than 3 p.m. on October 14th.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
UniServ Campaign Party!!!
The UniServ Regions 3 / 4 offices invite all Camden County members to attend a campaign party for Jon Corzine.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than October 13th.
No lectures, no speeches -- just a lot of fun! Those members who send in their "vote-by-mail" ballot and are recorded by the Board of Elections will receive a very special prize.
Stop in at your leisure. Stay as long as you wish! We hope to see you there.
Date: October 19, 2009
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Place: Ventura's, Rt. 73, Voorhees
Cost: Free!
There will be lots of party food on hand! RSVP to Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org no later than October 13th.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WELCOME BACK! READY FOR ACTION!
Wow! Where did the summer go? The UniServ Regions 3 and 4 offices would like to welcome all of you back. We hope you have a smooth return and are well rested and ready for action!
As you know, this governor's re-election is in the forefront this fall. Public education is on the ballot. We must get our members involved in the re-election of Governor Corzine.
We know that Candidate Christie has refused to even meet our leaders because, in his words, he doesn't want us. He openly states that he intends to go after our funding, our pensions, and our benefits. That alone speaks clearly why, as NJEA members and leaders, we cannot afford for Christie to be elected.
As you know, the county LAT meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at the county office. It is imperative that you and your LAT team attend. We have assigned consultants and field reps to personally work one on one with you and your members.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the 21st. If you cannot attend, please contact your field rep. Remember, local presidents can send a designee.
FALL FOCUS
The Regions 3 and 4 UniServ reps are asking local leaders in this county to bring as many new(er) members to the Fall Focus, which is set for October 1, 2009. Leaders that bring new(er) members may exceed the numbers limited to each local. We hope this would be a perfect way for your new members to learn the important facts about the governor's election and how it could impact new members should Christie be elected. Remember, it was the young voters who helped to elect President Obama!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
As you know, this governor's re-election is in the forefront this fall. Public education is on the ballot. We must get our members involved in the re-election of Governor Corzine.
We know that Candidate Christie has refused to even meet our leaders because, in his words, he doesn't want us. He openly states that he intends to go after our funding, our pensions, and our benefits. That alone speaks clearly why, as NJEA members and leaders, we cannot afford for Christie to be elected.
As you know, the county LAT meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 21, at the county office. It is imperative that you and your LAT team attend. We have assigned consultants and field reps to personally work one on one with you and your members.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the 21st. If you cannot attend, please contact your field rep. Remember, local presidents can send a designee.
FALL FOCUS
The Regions 3 and 4 UniServ reps are asking local leaders in this county to bring as many new(er) members to the Fall Focus, which is set for October 1, 2009. Leaders that bring new(er) members may exceed the numbers limited to each local. We hope this would be a perfect way for your new members to learn the important facts about the governor's election and how it could impact new members should Christie be elected. Remember, it was the young voters who helped to elect President Obama!
We are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Friday, May 22, 2009
RALLY THANK YOU!!!
Wow! You are just awesome!
The NJEA UniServ Region 3 office and Chris Berzinski thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the phenomenal showing of support to our colleagues in crisis. There are no words to explain the sense of pride and emotions that last night’s event has left us with. You've sent the message that this was not just a party in the park. The freeholders now know how we feel -- how we think -- and how we mobilize.
Clearly, our message was heard -- "We don't spend public monies, we earn them."
We hope that you had fun while doing this most important work. Enjoy your holiday weekend. You have surely earned it.
Once again you’ve come through in the usual Camden County style.
The NJEA UniServ Region 3 office and Chris Berzinski thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the phenomenal showing of support to our colleagues in crisis. There are no words to explain the sense of pride and emotions that last night’s event has left us with. You've sent the message that this was not just a party in the park. The freeholders now know how we feel -- how we think -- and how we mobilize.
Clearly, our message was heard -- "We don't spend public monies, we earn them."
We hope that you had fun while doing this most important work. Enjoy your holiday weekend. You have surely earned it.
Once again you’ve come through in the usual Camden County style.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
CAMDEN COUNTY RALLY - MAY 21
Think ahead!!!
Please begin working to get at least four association members to attend the rally on May 21st prior to the freeholders’ meeting. Members would need to arrive at the Waterford Township Municipal area by 5:30 p.m. (directions are below.) The freeholders’ meeting will begin at 7 p.m. where we will gather to hear our representatives address the freeholders.
In the usual Camden County style, a food vendor will be on site providing hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, ice cream, and water ice. Members are welcome to bring along the family to this event.
Association members should wear their association T-shirts or a red shirt to the event.
Please send names to Gale Quinn by email at gquinn@njea.org or by phone at 856-782-1225 no later than Tuesday, May 19. We are looking forward to a great time!
DIRECTIONS:
Head east (toward Shannon Caterers) on US-30 / White Horse Pike.
Turn left onto Bartram Ave. (traffic light at Wooster’s Funeral Home.)
Turn left on 2nd Ave.
Waterford Municipal Building will be on the right.
There is a small parking lot between the municipal building and the park where we will be assembled. There is ample parking on the street. Please obey all posted parking signs.
Please begin working to get at least four association members to attend the rally on May 21st prior to the freeholders’ meeting. Members would need to arrive at the Waterford Township Municipal area by 5:30 p.m. (directions are below.) The freeholders’ meeting will begin at 7 p.m. where we will gather to hear our representatives address the freeholders.
In the usual Camden County style, a food vendor will be on site providing hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, ice cream, and water ice. Members are welcome to bring along the family to this event.
Association members should wear their association T-shirts or a red shirt to the event.
Please send names to Gale Quinn by email at gquinn@njea.org or by phone at 856-782-1225 no later than Tuesday, May 19. We are looking forward to a great time!
DIRECTIONS:
Head east (toward Shannon Caterers) on US-30 / White Horse Pike.
Turn left onto Bartram Ave. (traffic light at Wooster’s Funeral Home.)
Turn left on 2nd Ave.
Waterford Municipal Building will be on the right.
There is a small parking lot between the municipal building and the park where we will be assembled. There is ample parking on the street. Please obey all posted parking signs.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
SPECIAL REP COUNCIL - APRIL 27
By now, you should have received an invitation to attend an important meeting at Ventura's Restaurant on Monday, April 27, 2009. We are asking each of you to please make every effort to attend this meeting. We have several locals struggling with negotiations as a result of the freeholders interfering with the bargaining process.
We need you to join us for this important meeting. The contract you save could be your own!
Call Gale Quinn at 856-782-1225 or email gquinn@njea.org to reserve your seat no later than Friday, April 24.
We need you to join us for this important meeting. The contract you save could be your own!
Call Gale Quinn at 856-782-1225 or email gquinn@njea.org to reserve your seat no later than Friday, April 24.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
PARKING ALERT - LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
“PARKING ALERT”
Dear NJEA Legislative Conference Participant,
The parking garage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick will be under construction during the NJEA Legislative Conference on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Therefore, there will be a limited number of parking spots available for conference participants.
NJEA will be providing additional parking at the Church Street parking garage, which is located across the street from the Hyatt on the left side of the street. Parking at the Church Street garage is free from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.
For your convenience, as you approach the Hyatt, there will be NJEA signage directing you to the parking garage. There will also be a shuttle available for anyone who may require assistance to and from the hotel during the conference. NJEA staff will be on-site to assist with parking procedures.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES THAT MAY BE ATTENDING THIS EVENT.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact NJEA’s Government Relations Division at (609) 599-4561.
Thank you.
Dear NJEA Legislative Conference Participant,
The parking garage at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Brunswick will be under construction during the NJEA Legislative Conference on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Therefore, there will be a limited number of parking spots available for conference participants.
NJEA will be providing additional parking at the Church Street parking garage, which is located across the street from the Hyatt on the left side of the street. Parking at the Church Street garage is free from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, February 21.
For your convenience, as you approach the Hyatt, there will be NJEA signage directing you to the parking garage. There will also be a shuttle available for anyone who may require assistance to and from the hotel during the conference. NJEA staff will be on-site to assist with parking procedures.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY OF YOUR COLLEAGUES THAT MAY BE ATTENDING THIS EVENT.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact NJEA’s Government Relations Division at (609) 599-4561.
Thank you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
UPDATE ON CURRENT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
Over the weekend, we learned that the Assembly Budget Committee was going to consider two bills at Monday afternoon’s committee meeting. Yesterday, the committee released those two bills.
A-3688 would reduce the PERS employer pension contribution over the next three years. Under the bill, school districts would contribute up to $75 million less to PERS this year. The bill is very similar to S-7, which the Senate considered but did not pass late last year. NJEA opposed this bill because it continues irresponsible pension funding practices at a time when the state had just begun to return to sound funding practices after many years of neglect.
A-3650 directs the Commissioner of Education to withhold from districts state aid payments an amount equal to the districts’ savings from the proposed pension deferral. NJEA opposes this bill because it negatively modifies the new school funding formula during its very first year of implementation, and because it reduces critically-needed aid for districts across the state
While NJEA opposes each bill individually on its merits, the combined effect of the two bills is even more objectionable. In short, the bills would allow districts to “save” $75 million in pension contributions, but would then take that $75 million from them in the form of reduced state aid. The bills would leave districts with no additional funds to save jobs or programs, while increasing the unfunded liability of the pension system. The combined effect of the bills is that the state would essentially take $75 million from the PERS pension fund to pay its current operating expenses.
NJEA testified against both bills yesterday, and will continue to lobby and testify against them should they proceed to a vote in the full Assembly. We urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to oppose both A-3688 and A-3650.
A-3688 would reduce the PERS employer pension contribution over the next three years. Under the bill, school districts would contribute up to $75 million less to PERS this year. The bill is very similar to S-7, which the Senate considered but did not pass late last year. NJEA opposed this bill because it continues irresponsible pension funding practices at a time when the state had just begun to return to sound funding practices after many years of neglect.
A-3650 directs the Commissioner of Education to withhold from districts state aid payments an amount equal to the districts’ savings from the proposed pension deferral. NJEA opposes this bill because it negatively modifies the new school funding formula during its very first year of implementation, and because it reduces critically-needed aid for districts across the state
While NJEA opposes each bill individually on its merits, the combined effect of the two bills is even more objectionable. In short, the bills would allow districts to “save” $75 million in pension contributions, but would then take that $75 million from them in the form of reduced state aid. The bills would leave districts with no additional funds to save jobs or programs, while increasing the unfunded liability of the pension system. The combined effect of the bills is that the state would essentially take $75 million from the PERS pension fund to pay its current operating expenses.
NJEA testified against both bills yesterday, and will continue to lobby and testify against them should they proceed to a vote in the full Assembly. We urge you to contact your legislators and ask them to oppose both A-3688 and A-3650.
Monday, January 12, 2009
IMPORTANT TITLE 6 CODE CHANGE
The Region 3 UniServ office would like to call your attention to a code change which has significant impact to our membership. The code change is part of Title 6A and reads as follows:
Arrest Reporting Requirements for Certificated Staff, N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.1(c), a new subsection, requires that certificate holders report to their superintendent within 14 days if they are arrested or indicated for any crime or offense by any jurisdiction, and to report within seven days the final disposition of such charges. In addition, this proposed new section would require school districts to make the reporting requirements known to certificate holders. The new subsection reads as follows:
(c) All certificated holders shall report their arrest or indictment for any crime or offense to their superintendent within 14 calendar days. The report shall include the date of arrest of indictment and charge(s) lodged against the certificate holder. Such certificate holders shall also report to their superintendents the disposition of any charges within seven calendar days of disposition. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may be deemed "just cause" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.5. School districts shall make these requirements known to all new employees and to all employees on an annual basis.
There are several key points.
Arrest Reporting Requirements for Certificated Staff, N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.1(c), a new subsection, requires that certificate holders report to their superintendent within 14 days if they are arrested or indicated for any crime or offense by any jurisdiction, and to report within seven days the final disposition of such charges. In addition, this proposed new section would require school districts to make the reporting requirements known to certificate holders. The new subsection reads as follows:
(c) All certificated holders shall report their arrest or indictment for any crime or offense to their superintendent within 14 calendar days. The report shall include the date of arrest of indictment and charge(s) lodged against the certificate holder. Such certificate holders shall also report to their superintendents the disposition of any charges within seven calendar days of disposition. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements may be deemed "just cause" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17.5. School districts shall make these requirements known to all new employees and to all employees on an annual basis.
There are several key points.
- Some school districts have started to circulate the memo to satisfy the notice requirement that is noted in the new section.
- It applies to all certificate holders - not just those who are in a position requiring a certificate.
- Failure to comply with this new reporting requirement constitutes "just cause" pursuant to 6A:9-17.5.
- N.J.A.C. 6A:9-17A is the section of code that authorizes the Board of Examiners to issue an order to show cause as part of a certificate revocation proceeding.
- The State Board of Examiners is not an agency that you want to have control over your professional life.
- Note "any crime" means the arrest could be as simple as unpaid parking tickets.
As you can see, there could be serious consequences as a result of this new requirement. It is important that all members be notified of this change. Urge members to work through the association from the very beginning on these issues.
It is our understanding that it went into effect January 5, 2009. As always, feel free to contact this office with any questions you may have or for assistance with defending members on this matter.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
January 20th Inauguration
Welcome back and Happy New Year!
As you know, the inauguration is right around the corner on January 20th. If you have any activities/assemblies/etc. planned in your district around the inauguration, please contact this office ASAP or contact Kathy Coulibaly, NJEA Communications Division, directly at kcoulibaly@njea.org or call her at 609-599-4561 extension 2316.
As you know, the inauguration is right around the corner on January 20th. If you have any activities/assemblies/etc. planned in your district around the inauguration, please contact this office ASAP or contact Kathy Coulibaly, NJEA Communications Division, directly at kcoulibaly@njea.org or call her at 609-599-4561 extension 2316.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
HOLIDAY REMINDERS
As you begin planning your winter and spring PRIDE projects and close out your fall projects, we remind you that NJEA will not accept receipts for any merchandise which has been purchased at either Sams Club or Wal Mart. If these receipts are submitted to us, they will be returned.
The Region 3 UniServ office has 20 mauve conference room high-back chairs that we no longer will be using. If any association would like them for their office or for their staff lounges, please contact Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org by Friday, January 9. You will be responsible for picking them up.
We wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.
The Region 3 UniServ office has 20 mauve conference room high-back chairs that we no longer will be using. If any association would like them for their office or for their staff lounges, please contact Gale Quinn at gquinn@njea.org by Friday, January 9. You will be responsible for picking them up.
We wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)