Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/39006
higher graduation rates and an educated work force. These cuts today will result in cuts to Arizona’s eco- nomic growth tomorrow.” Schools have already AEA President Andrew Morrill speaks out for solutions and invites Arizona business leaders, parents cuts jobs, increased class sizes, eliminated programs, and sacrificed employee compensation. These addi- tional cuts will cause further job loss and elimination of vital educational programs. For a summary of the education budget cuts, visit www.arizonaea. org/politics.php?page=537. Paychecks Used to Balance State Budget The budget passed on April 1, 2011 changed the contribution rate for ASRS so instead of the 50/50 split between employees and employers, the new contribution rate as of July 1, 2011 will be pushed onto the backs of the employees. Employees will have to bear the burden of 53 percent of the contribution rate, and employ- ers will pay 47 percent. For a school employee making $40,000 annually, his/her share of the retirement contribution rate will increase by $620 per year (note, the contribution rate was already going to increase slightly due to the ac- tuary requirement to keep the system solvent). Employees will pay 11.4 percent, and employers will pay 10.10 percent as of July 1, 2011. Where does the money saved by the district go? School districts and other ASRS employers will not see a dime of the money being picked up for them out of employee paychecks. The state legislature will use the funds to help bal- ance the state budget. The budget was passed on a party-line vote with the Republican major- ity voting for it and was then signed into law by Governor Brewer. AEA has filed a lawsuit on behalf of members challenging this change to ASRS. To read more about this lawsuit, go to page 11. Educator Gag Bill This legislative session, the Arizona Legislature passed and Governor Brewer signed the Educator Gag Bill, SB 1365, which is an attempt at silencing your voice by eliminating payroll dues deduction, for all practical pur- poses, as a method of dues collection for labor unions. AEA is your voice for quality public educa- tion in Arizona. There is no other organization and others to work together for strong schools, strong communities, and a strong economy. at the capitol or in the state that is speaking up on be- half of educators; without AEA, educators do not have a voice in improving working conditions and the quality of public education. With the passage of this bill, legislators are trying to silence your voice. AEA has fought to prevent the passage of legislation impacting payroll dues deduction for the past several years. Unfortunately, as a result of the last election, educators have fewer friends at the state legislature, and as conse- quence, your voice is facing a serious threat from this anti-union legislation. The law takes effect October 1, 2011. AEA has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this law. For more information on the lawsuit, go to page 11. Read AEA’s summary of the bill and its impact on Association work: www.arizonaea.org/poli- tics.php?page=540 Show these lawmakers that your voice will not be silenced by flipping to an alternative dues payment method, such as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). We need to stand together, now more than ever. Flipping the Association’s entire membership to another form of dues collec- tion is going to take a huge, concerted effort. But when we are successful, it will make us less reliant on political forces who oppose qual- ity public education. We will be stronger. Our professions and the future of Arizona’s children are at stake. Looking Ahead What does the future hold? Since the legis- lature seems out of touch with the priorities of Arizona voters, will there be a ballot measure to repair the damage done to our public schools and universities? Will the 2012 elections be dif- ferent because new legislative districts will be drawn by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission? How will Arizonans react to the attacks by corporate-funded groups on teach- ers, education support professionals, and the middle class? AEA President Andrew Morrill speaks out for solutions and invites Arizona business leaders, parents and others to work together for strong schools, strong communi- ties, and a strong economy. Arizona’s legislature is on the wrong track, but our community can come together and change Arizona’s course. ✒ AEA Advocate ❘ Fall 2011 7 AT THE CAPITOL