The National Fight Has Come to Utah!

The following is an e-mail I just received from UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh.  I will be attending a meeting on July 30 to learn more about this situation and what we plan to do to combat these attacks.

"As I write this, local media have been calling to get my response to a letter that surfaced today at the Utah Legislature. The letter, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, and from Senator Howard Stephenson and Rep. Bill Wright, calls on the Education Interim Committee to study the following:

• Whether to prohibit a public entity, or a public education entity, from engaging in collective bargaining;

• Whether to prohibit a public entity’s payroll system, or a public education entity’s payroll system, from collecting union dues; and

• Whether to allow a tax credit for private school tuition of certain students, including students from low income families or failing schools.

"Regardless of when these items are studied or introduced as legislation, it is clear the gauntlet has been thrown and we will be in the battle of our lives.

"We will communicate with you as more information becomes available.

"Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, M.A., NBCT

President, Utah Education Association"