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MEA-recommended candidates win — Members instrumental in election victories
You helped candidates with an MEA recommendation win big in Tuesday's election, including President-elect Barack Obama and a Michigan Supreme Court candidate who upset an incumbent justice.
Of the 103 candidates recommended by MEA from both the Democratic and Republican parties, 93 won. All candidates were screened by groups of MEA members as part of the recommendation process.
"Voters agreed that the candidates recommended by MEA members deserve to represent us on university boards, in the halls of justice, in the state House, in Congress and in the White House," said MEA President Iris K. Salters. "MEA members should be proud of this historic election. From volunteering to running for office to voting, we helped elect Democrats and Republicans to guide us forward."
Results for MEA-recommended candidates
Check out all the results for MEA-recommended candidates from Tuesday's election! Of the 103 candidates MEA members screened and recommended, 93 were elected by Michigan voters.
Thank you for making your voice heard
MEA members should be proud. On Nov. 4, we made up about 5 percent of the possibly record breaking turnout in Michigan, heading to the polls in huge numbers to make our voices heard for public education.
In addition to turning out to vote, MEA members helped elect friends of public education at every level of government through talking with family, friends and neighbors, tireless volunteer efforts, and generous contributions to MEA-PAC.
Voting Do's and Don'ts
If voter registration is any indication, there are sure to be lots of new voters at the polls this Election Day.
Request an absentee ballot by 2 p.m. Saturday (or an emergency ballot after then)
Last minute plans taking you away from your polling place on Tuesday?
Whatever you do, don't miss out on your chance to vote in this critical election. You can still request an absentee ballot!
Will Education Be Left Behind?
Six days from now people will go to the polls. Votes will be counted. What I’m wondering is where will public education stand when all said and done?
Here’s a quick rundown of the top education issues for this election and should be a concern for every politician.
Cliché or not, One Vote Matters
One vote matters.
It's probably the most overused cliché in the discussion of American democracy. But even though it can make our eyes roll, it's still true. And important.
Salters in The Detroit News: Public schools should shape students into engaged voters
In her monthly column in The Detroit News, MEA President Iris K. Salters says it's important for young people to understand and participate in the democratic process.
Read the column. What do you think? How are you working with students to prepare them for an active role in our American democracy?
IT'S YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!
IT’S YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE if you’re in line when the polls close.
The polls are open between 7 AM and 8 PM.
Merit Pay: A tired idea
Some ideas in education just keep getting recycled. Merit pay is one and the Mackinac Center’s recent forum to generate enthusiasm for public-private partnerships for merit pay didn’t really offer up anything new.
Communities, schools need support in fighting dropout crisis
The most exciting thing about the Michigan Dropout Prevention Leadership Summit held today in Lansing was the 500 plus people who gathered to talk about what they can do locally to address the dropout problem. It was great to see a standing-room-only crowd ready to work together – both in and out of school – to try something different in tackling Michigan's dropout crisis.
All these students, parents, educators and community activists need is some support in their efforts. Case in point – nearly every member of a youth panel at the summit said in a single word that what they needed most was "support."
Unfortunately, we may be on our own when it comes to support from the state. Despite the outcry for assistance, state officials at Monday's summit seemed reluctant to commit to the support many insisted was necessary.
Help Get Out the Vote at Monday's Flint rally
Join educators and community members, NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen, and several political candidates at a Get Out the Vote Rally on Monday afternoon in Flint.
Come out to hear about the important role education plays in this critical election. The rally will be held at the Genesee County MEA UniServ Office, 5095 Exchange Dr. in Flint beginning at 5 p.m. (map)
Absentee Voting Has Begun
Many Michigan citizens have already voted by applying for and receiving an absentee ballot. Ballots were mailed earlier this month and have been returned to city and township clerks.
Retirement (In)security
For those who were gazing at the retirement horizon before the alarming financial events of September, these times are enough to make you sit upright and reassess your thinking. It ought to also make you pay closer attention to what’s being promised in the political arena.
Insure and Be Sure: Insuring More Americans
Guest post by JoAnn Bird, MEA-Retired (Muskegon)
With 47,000,000 Americans uninsured and the cost of health care constantly rising, it is obvious that families cannot afford to purchase their own health care coverage, or they would!
In Sickness and In Debt
Far too many Michiganders are being forced to make dangerous decisions. They are choosing to overlook, ignore, or treat themselves instead of seeking the help of a physician. Why? Overwhelmingly many of them can’t afford it!
It is a dilemma that threatens society as we know it. Here’s what I think is at the center of it all.
Middle Class - Union Made
This week’s events in Wayne-Westland have stirred lots of passion among MEA members. For many, it has rekindled a real fire for unionism – especially in showing how the power of collective action can be the impetus for positive change.
It’s important to keep that union spark ablaze as we approach the challenges ahead. Unions have a critical role in today’s America – particularly in protecting our middle class and growing an economy that ensures a strong future for our children.
Attend upcoming Election 2008 events
Get involved this election year! Join us for several exciting Election 2008 events coming up in the next few weeks in Warren (10/15), Detroit (10/18), Flint (10/20) and Bay City (10/30).
Speaking of small class size, support the Wayne-Westland teachers!
We've been talking a lot about class size lately. But right now, MEA members in Wayne-Westland are walking that talk - on the picket line.
They are pushing for a fair and equitable contract settlement that provides students with the small class sizes they deserve. Current class sizes there are WAY too high - with 36 students in some elementary classes and 38 in the high school classes, there isn't enough time for one-on-one instruction.
Last Day to Register to Vote
Make no mistake, this election will be incredibly close and every single vote matters.
