News Release: Voters oppose cost shift plan, raising property taxes
The push to balance the state budget by shifting costs to cities and towns and raising property taxes doesn’t sit well with Connecticut voters.
DetailsRaise Property Taxes? Coalition, Voters Say ‘No’
Speaking out at a town hall press conference in West Hartford—which faces historic property tax hikes to cover a major shortfall in state funding—a statewide coalition of eight diverse associations, including CEA, called on legislators to avoid shifting the state’s financial obligations onto cities and towns. Policymakers are currently considering plans to shift $408 million…
DetailsFree Film Screening and Discussion for CEA Members
CEA’s Ethnic Minority Affairs Commission and Human and Civil Rights Commission invite all CEA members to a free dinner, screening, and discussion of the Academy Award-nominated documentary 13th. The film, which explores issues of race, justice, and mass incarceration, takes its title from the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. Living in an Unfair System: Making…
DetailsMore County Forums Next Week: Come and Talk to Your Legislators
With a proposed state budget that would divide Connecticut’s school districts into winners and losers and saddle towns with one-third of the cost of their teachers’ pensions, it’s vital that legislators hear loud and clear from CEA members. It’s especially important to speak to your legislators now as some are considering a dangerous plan that…
DetailsCEA Members Covered by 21st Century Need to Choose New Insurance Carrier
21st Century Insurance is leaving the Connecticut market and is no longer offering insurance through the CEA-endorsed USI program. CEA members who currently have insurance through 21st Century have several options. Members will receive a letter announcing the change and letting them know they can switch to Foremost (a company under the 21st Century/Farmers umbrella)…
DetailsTell Your Legislators: Don’t Pass the Buck on Our Pensions
Legislators have begun to seriously consider numerous proposals, including the governor’s, to burden local cities and towns with the state obligation to fund teacher pensions. Municipalities only have one way to raise revenue, so this cost shift would force towns to either raise local property taxes and/or cut local public education funding—leading to larger class…
DetailsNews Release: Statement from CEA President Sheila Cohen on State Board of Education’s Actions Regarding PEAC’s Recommendations
Today’s action by the State Board of Education puts the focus back where it belongs: on teaching, learning, and student achievement.
DetailsMastery Test Scores Eliminated From Teacher Evaluations
The State Board of Education (SBOE) showed its commitment to students and teachers today by voting to remove state mastery test results from teacher evaluations. “This is a big victory for students, teachers, and public education,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “The voices and expertise of teachers were heard and addressed by policymakers who did…
DetailsTeachers Stand Up for Public Education; Talk Priorities with Legislators
Hundreds of teachers at CEA County Forums throughout the state are speaking directly to local legislators about issues impacting education—including funding for public schools, teacher healthcare, and retirement. With a proposed state budget that would divide Connecticut’s school districts into winners and losers and saddle towns with one-third of the cost of their teachers’…
DetailsRetired Teachers Meet Face to Face With Legislators to Discuss Policy Issues
“I find it’s important to stay involved in our Association and pay it forward,” said John Battista, one of nearly 200 retired Connecticut educators who converged on the Legislative Office Building this week for Retired Teachers Lobby Day. The event, a joint effort of CEA-Retired, the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC), and AFT…
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