It is Red Sox ALCS and the MTA Board was doing its duty and met to discuss important association business.  (Some of us did have Wifi on their computers and kept up with the score. Sox won.)

Here are the highlights of the meeting.

NEA Director- As there are MTA Board members, there are NEA Board of Directors.  Eileen Cleary who taught in Brockton retired this June.  Robert Gillies from Higher Education was elected by the Board to finish off the term. 

The truth about taxes-There is myth that we are the highest taxed people in the county.  Simply there have been tax cuts that have reduced the tax burden on our citizens.  Though right now, property taxes are high and seem to be rising around the state, there is a need to pay for services on your local level.

Though casinos will bring new revenue, it is not a panacea. Gambling is only one way to bring in new revenue

Governor Patrick wants to close loopholes in the corporate taxes.  The corporations will cry foul and they do have politicians on their sides. 

Stay tuned for more information as the year goes on.

Prop 2 ½ could becomes Prop 1- Remember Greg Hyatt?  He is back and want to cut the tax rate from 2 ½% to 1%.  This is dangerous.  If you remember the blood bath of Prop 2 ½, Prop 1 will do the same thing i.e. these propositions will eviscerate education.

Right now signatures are being collected for initiatives to cut the income tax and the property tax.  It may sound great to do away with taxes but does it sound great to be put out of work?  The lay offs did happen and I was a victim of Prop 2 ½. 

*Please ask your members to read but not sign these petitions.  If the propositions win, they will destroy your classroom.

Ed Sullivan to retire in March, 2008- After 24 years of service to the members of the MTA, Ed Sullivan will retire this coming March.  Ed started as a young attorney and took over the position in 1983 and served us admirably.  We will miss this dedicated advocate for us will be sorely missed.  Thank you Ed.

The next project for the Board will be hiring a new executive director.  GIC-If your local is thinking about going into the GIC, the MTA has the expertise and now the experience in completing the move over to this new insurance.  There are cities and towns making the switch.  Locally Saugus and Winthrop made the switch and are very happy and saving money in their paychecks.  If you need help, call your MTA service person.  They know the ropes.

MTRS Endorsement-Karen Mitchell, Plymouth Ballots will be sent around November 10, 2007 to vote for two seats on the Retirement Board.  This is an opportunity to vote for a teacher advocate on retirement issues.  Karen is on the Board and a former president Education Association of Plymouth and Carver.  As an active member, she will bring a fresh eye to the MTRS. Please ask your members not to throw out their ballots.  Please mark them for Karen Mitchell and send them back to the MTRS.

Thanks

BOE- What a difference in the BOE due to the election to the Gov. Patrick.?  After over 11 years of adversary, the new chair, Paul Reveille, wants to make teacher part of the process.   For this BOE we are not the enemy.  Hopefully, this new trend continues for a long while.

Rally to End the War in Iraq-
Where: Boston Common
When: Saturday, October 27^th, 2007
Time: 12:00-3:00This rally is organized by United for Peace and Justice, nation’s largest grassroots antiwar coalition.

URGENT JUST IN-RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE DECISION FROM MA SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT- The Presidents should have received a mailing on this court decision about retirees.  If a teacher retires from a city or town and does not elect to take the insurance, he/she is not entitled to take the insurance at a later date.  The memo gives suggestions about what to do.  Please let members know of this development and advise accordingly especially if they are nearing retirement.

As you know, by the time you receive this newsletter, the Sox won and lost ACLS games.  It is Saturday night and I am finishing up this newsletter.  Though at this point our boys are leading 4-1 because J.D. Drew hit a grand slam homeroom, I am performing all my rituals hoping for a World Series berth. 

So in other words GO SOX!!!

I wish you a productive first term and a Happy Thanksgiving.