Districts need to restore funding

4/8/13

I don’t know about you, but I’m still feeling the exhilaration from our November victory. The pride we can all take in what we’ve accomplished could last a lifetime. But now, it’s time to dig back in and make sure that we are reaping the rewards for CSEA members.

Restore the funding
For years, we have suffered through reductions in hours, furlough days, and layoffs. Now it’s time to return to the bargaining table and restore those cuts. I’ve heard some amazing stories of school districts doing the right thing, eliminating furlough days and restoring the funding for classified employees. I’m proud of the relationships and power that CSEA chapters have built that resulted in school districts doing the right thing. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. We intend to fight to ensure that concessionary contract language is removed from collective bargaining agreements and districts bring back classified workers to restore the services that our students need and deserve.

Professional development
One of the areas that has suffered greatly through the lean funding years is professional development/professional growth funding. CSEA will begin tackling this through the legislative process as we sponsor legislation that will allow our classified staff to continue to improve their skills. Our world is becoming increasingly technological and complex. Our members must have the training to provide high quality services and safe school environments. When we don’t invest in our employees, we shortchange them as well as our students.

One of the finest professional development opportunities will take place for our members in early April. CSEA’s Paraeducator Conference will be held in San Jose April 10-12 at the Fairmont Hotel. For the first time, the conference is open to clerical employees. Now, clerical members can get in-depth training about how to support students with behavioral issues and other challenges, crisis management, communication skills, bullying and much more. If you are a paraeducator or work in a clerical position in one of our schools or colleges, I urge you to attend. Visit csea.com/paraconference for registration information. It will be the best investment you’ve made in your career (besides joining CSEA in the first place).

Affordable Care Act
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (known to many as Obamacare) is just around the corner. Gov. Jerry Brown has called a special session of the California Legislature to deal with the details of implementing the act. These issues include the expansion of the Medi-Cal program, legislation requiring the coverage of people with pre-existing conditions and the consideration of affordable healthcare options. These issues present opportunities for our members who are uninsured and those who have unaffordable coverage. CSEA will be taking the lead to educate members on the Affordable Care Act and insure that it is implemented in a manner that protects and benefits CSEA members.

In the next few months, you’ll be hearing much more from your union about this important issue and what you need to do to stay informed and covered.