November 22, 2013
Legislators at Home 

Nov. 15th marked opening day for the hunting season in Michigan. As is a long-held tradition in our state, the Legislature has taken the time between Nov. 15 and the beginning of December to go on recess and dive into their in-district work. Just because legislators aren't in Lansing, doesn't mean that you should take a break from the very important work of educating them on what's going in your school and how legislation coming from the Capitol affects what you do day-to-day.

 

MEMSPA encourages members to take this opportunity while legislators may be home to contact them in their hometown and continue to build your relationships with lawmakers. Some possible ways to do this are:

 

  • Coffee Hours - Many legislators will take this opportunity to hold coffee hour meetings where constituents can visit with lawmakers on any topics. Contact your legislative office to see if your State Representative or Senator will be holding coffee hours during this recess.
  • School Visits - While lawmakers are near your school, you should think about inviting them to see some of the very important work that goes on in your building. Have them read to a classroom, attend a play or concert, or hold a meeting with your staff. They'll appreciate the opportunity to converse with educators on the wide array of legislation affecting education.
  • Individual Meetings - Sometimes it's not possible for you to travel to Lansing. Since legislators are home this next couple of weeks, take this opportunity to schedule a one-on-one meeting with your lawmaker to discuss your concerns, questions, and comments.

 

Whether you meet one-on-one or in a large setting, remember to keep the conversation constructive and positive. There are certainly areas where you'll disagree with policy in Lansing, but a well-reasoned argument is far more constructive than a session filled with critiques absent solutions.

 

 
Common Core Assessment Report on Its Way      

When the legislature passed HCR 11, allowing for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, many thought the book was closed on the months long debate over the new standards. That couldn't be farther from the truth.

 

Included in the resolution on the Common Core was a stipulation that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) compile a report that details all the assessment models available and submit those finding to the Legislature by Dec. 1, 2013. Sources at the MDE have indicated that report is forthcoming and will detail the options for assessments. There are more than 160 vendors that provide this service, so the detail of the report is yet-to-be-determined.
 
Senate's Adjournment Starts the Clock  

Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R - Monroe) stated this week that the Senate will finish its legislative business December 12 and adjourn sine die shortly thereafter. By adjourning sine die before the end of the month, the clock will begin running regarding the effective date of legislation not granted "immediate effect." The most notable of these new laws is the one that allows the state to accept federal funds for the purpose of expanding Medicaid eligibility. If the Senate holds true to its commitment, the new law will take effect shortly after March 12, 2014 rather than March 31, 2014. This move could add more than $100 million in federal funds to Michigan's budget. The House has indicated their willingness to adjourn at the same time.

 

The Michigan legislature is in recess until December 3 and has only 6 legislative session days remaining. We do not expect any committees to meet in the House (and probably not the Senate) the week of December 9.

 

 

NAESP Politics & Policy Report      

In the latest Politics and Policy Report, NAESP shares about epipens, early learning bills, privacy for kids, NCLB wavier renewal, and more.  

 

Congressional Update  

 

President Signs Bill to Provide Students Better Access to EpiPens: Last week, the President signed the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (H.R. 2094) into law. This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to asthma-related grants for child health services giving preference to a state that allows self-administration of asthma and anaphylaxis medication. Accordingly, in these states, elementary and secondary schools would: 1) permit trained personnel to administer epinephrine to students having an anaphylactic reaction; 2) allow schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine that would be easily accessible to trained personnel; and 3) require a plan be developed for having one or more designated personnel trained in the administration of epinephrine on the school premises during the school day. The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act moved quickly through Congress. It was introduced by Representative Phil Roe (R-TN) in May, passed by the full House by voice vote in July and then passed by the Senate with unanimous consent in October. NAESP supported this legislation.

 

Read more... 

Political News        

Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer (D - East Lansing) had been widely rumored to be considering a run for Attorney General even though she had indicated her disinterest in running for Governor earlier this year. This week Whitmer formally took herself out of the race for AG and Lieutenant Governor by indicating that her name would not appear on the statewide ballot in 2014.


State Senator Mark Jansen (R - Grand Rapids ) has announced he will not enter the Republican primary for the seat currently held by Cong. Justin Amash in Michigan's 3rd district. Republican challenger Brian Ellis remains the loan primary opponent of Amash in the seat.
 

 

 

Advocating for you,


Paul Liabenow
MEMSPA Executive Director

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