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While many of our members were busy preparing for the holidays, almost 200 members attended an AERA Lobbying Network Meeting in their area. All the speakers agreed that AERA will need our members’ support and participation in our 2010 lobbying efforts. Recently, I read the following quote by Mark Shields, political columnist and commentator, “There is always strength in numbers; the more individuals or organizations that you can rally to your cause, the better.”

   
 

This statement is right on target! I urge all of our members to get involved at the local level and lobby your representatives and senators. Also, be ready on the state level when we call on you to lobby in Montgomery.

Governor Bob Riley recently stated in his State of the State Address that “doom and gloom” predictions made by other elected officials about state budgets for the coming year are a “bunch of bull” pushed by lobbyists and gambling interests to try to justify the expansion of gambling. However, even employees of the Alabama Legislative Fiscal Office, who are responsible for projecting income for the General Fund and Education Trust Fund, have stated cuts will have to be made and that all revenue sources are down. I believe we should operate on the premise that costs are rising and revenue is not. The General Fund is facing a projected shortfall of $600 million and the Education Budget has been prorated. AERA members must be ready to lobby and protect PEEHIP and TRS funding. Over the past few years, the ETF proration has totaled 18 percent.

Recently at a legislative meeting, Auburn Montgomery Economist Dr. Kevin Derive, informed the audience that he believes the economic downfall is over, and Alabama will need time to recover. The recovery will take a few years. An article in the Washington Post on January 2, 2010 stated the past decade is the worse in U.S. economy in modern times. We need to face reality and know that tough financial times are upon us.

As a result, AERA members need to lobby or be prepared to lose benefits or pay much higher costs. I urge our members to stay informed and be ready to put on your “teacher’s hat” to educate your legislators. There are some valuable lessons to be learned during this legislative session, and we want to be sure that our legislators understand the lesson and do the right thing!

Sincerely,

Janice J. Charlesworth
 

   

 

 
 

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828 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104

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