Summary of the bill as passed is here. There is a bit to read through in detail, but the gist of it is: The TEA is de-certified, teachers can choose who will represent them (or do without any affiliation if they wish), anyone who strikes can be fired, and there is no union dues checkoff via payroll. That means TEA or any other organization will have to solicit prospective members to actually write a check for membership. This will change the dynamic of things greatly. Expect some retirements, layoffs and resignations at TEA in the coming year.
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey sent an announcement around via email, noting 'It matters who governs.' Indeed it does. The vote was not even close in either house.
Gov. Haslam is expected to sign the bill.
Since 1978, TEA has ruled the roost, and things went from bad to worse.
Now, beginning Monday morning, once the bill is law, the union can no longer be blamed.
The schools still suck. It is now up to the school boards, and the parents, and the teachers and the students themselves to right the ship.
The schools of Tennessee are a disgrace. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to get things right, and the conservatives who brought this about are now firmly in the driver's seat.
They better produce results, and quickly. No more raging about the unions, etc.
Time to govern, ya'll.
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