Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/55384
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ACTING EDITOR STAFF WRITER Gearing up for the fight ahead WE ARE IN THE MIDST of a critical period in the history of our association and our coun- try. Self-interest and bad economic policies are destroying our democracy and making it almost impossible for the middle class to survive. Cor- porate greed, which led to the subprime mort- gage meltdown, shined a light on the growing inequality in this country. If we allow corpora- tions to continue to get the upper hand, all gaps will widen: the income gap, the opportunity gap, the achievement gap. Franklin D. Roosevelt said in his second inaugural address (and it still rings true today), "We have always known that heed- less self-interest was bad morals; we now know that it is bad economics." We've seen the results of this imbalance play out here in California, too, with double-digit unemployment rates, 40,000-plus educators los- ing their jobs, families struggling to pay for food and health care, and one in four students now living in poverty. And all the while, CEOs are banking record profits and refusing to pay their fair share. This inequitable situation can no lon- ger be ignored. Well, our chance to set things right is now, and we'll begin by planning for the upcoming Novem- ber election. It's important we all know what we are facing and understand the many moving parts that will affect our schools and our profession. For the third time, a harmful "paycheck deception" ini- tiative that is designed to silence our united voice has qualified for the ballot. In addition to the gov- ernor's tax initiative, two competing funding ini- tiatives are being circulated for signatures. And a handful of business groups have filed a spending cap initiative to cut school funding and limit future state spending. All of these initiatives are reason for concern. There's a lot of intricate political motion hap- pening this year in a lot of different directions — but what everyone can agree on is that our state is moving in the wrong direction and something must be done to fix it. A critical initiative on the ballot is the "paycheck deception" initiative, which prevents our union from advocating for our pro- fession or our state, but continues to allow corpo- rations to lobby for their own interests. Educators 4 California Educator / February 2012 CTA WEB EDITOR CTA WEB EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WEB ASSISTANT WEB ASSISTANT PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY-TREASURER Dave Earl Carpenter Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Karyn Ferrera Donhoff Tiffany Hasker Craig Hamilton Tami Beseda Gladdie Cabral CTA ELECTED OFFICERS Dean E. Vogel Eric C. Heins Mikki Cichocki BOARD OF DIRECTORS José Alcalá, Larry Allen, E. Toby Boyd, Donald L. Bridge, Tyrone V. Cabell, Elana Davidson, Don Dawson, Dana Dillon, David Goldberg, Jim Groth, Terri Jackson, Marty G. Meeden, George Melendez, Theresa Montaño, Mary Rose Ortega, Cynthia Peña, Bonnie Shatun, CTA President Dean E. Vogel would lose their collective voice in school board races, on matters like class sizes and safety issues, and in supporting state and national candidates who support public schools and colleges. If the system were leſt in the hands of CEOs, we may be saying goodbye to the 40-hour work week, a secure retirement, and safe working condi- tions — all basic workers' rights our union and others fought so hard for over the past century. During this election process, CTA will also be joining a broad coalition to help pass a viable funding initiative. It is clear that Cali- fornia cannot cut its way out of its ongoing, burgeoning budget problem. It is well past time for a progressive tax increase, and the gover- nor's initiative is the best chance we have to raise the revenues necessary to properly fund our schools. The plan raises income taxes on households earning $500,000 and raises taxes even higher for those earning more than $1 million. The proposal also includes a half-cent sales tax increase. The governor's initiative is the only proposal out there that directly helps reduce the state budget deficit. Without that component, our schools and colleges are fac- ing another $5 billion cut. By joining a broad coalition of labor, community and business groups, CTA can help to pass this important initiative and help California deal with state budget problems. Together we have a powerful voice and tremendous energy. As educators, we can help bring about change. We need to do it for our schools, our students, and for ourselves. We can help lead the way to a prosperous future for everyone. Michael Stone, Kendall Vaught, KC Walsh, Curtis Washington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE EXEC. DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Carolyn Doggett Rebecca Zoglman Jonathan Goldman CONTRIBUTORS Scott Buschman, Len Feldman, Bill Guy, Stephen R. Harris III, Dina Martin, Mike Myslinski, Frank Wells EDITORIAL INFORMATION California Educator is published for the information and edification of CTA members. The editorial philosophy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org. Publication of advertising in the California Educator does not indicate CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising. For advertising rates and information, contact WebSolutions Media 5666 Spruce Harbor Court, Las Vegas, NV 89122 (800) 585-9322 websol@earthlink.net, websolutionsmedia.com CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year, Sept. 1–Aug. 31, are $825, including a $20 voluntary contribution. 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