This morning, August 23, 2012, MSNBC reported that teachers unions spend 30 percent of the union dues they collect for member benefits. The other 70 percent is spent on influencing politicians. Now, I guess this also benefits its members. (I missed the total amount of money that the teachers unions collect in dues, but it was in the billions of dollars.)
HOWEVER, can someone tell me why in my school district, Rocky Point, as in many other districts, about 70 percent of the union president’s salary is paid for by taxpayer dollars?
And does anyone know why it is legal to use taxpayer dollars in this way?
Finally, if taxpayer dollars are being used to pay for union business, shouldn’t the public know specifically how that money is being used? Especially if the money is being used to lobby for a specific agenda?
You’re absolutely right about the salary for the union president. And, as you so aptly stated at one of the board meetings, you’re not implying that union presidents shouldn’t be paid--just why not have it come out of union dues? And what you’re saying now makes me wonder even more why it isn’t. If I remember correctly the Rocky Point union president makes about $94,000. If we multiply this by the 70% that comes out of taxpayer money that’s about $65,000. Multiply that by the number of school districts on Long Island (124) and the LI school districts could save about $8.2 million (and that doesn’t reflect the amount that goes toward the retirement benefits when the money is paid by taxpayers). How many school programs could be saved then? Instead of threatening to cut kindergarten last year why didn’t they do something about this?
But since this is an election year, perhaps voters should start asking these kinds of questions to candidates. Here’s another question that needs an answer. Why have public-sector pension funds in New York State been increased by 904 percent over the last ten years? And everyone should note that pension increases are controlled at the state level, for both teachers’ funds as well as all other public-sector employees, including the very politicians that approval such increases. Again, it is an election year. Let’s get some accountability for the decisions that politicians make about our money. Local Mom: Thanks for your words of encouragement. And I want to encourage everyone to go to their school board meetings. (The Rocky Point meeting is Monday, Aug 27 at 7:00 pm at the Carsiti School.) District Boards have to realize that they represent the taxpayers as well as the kids. They do not represent the teachers unions. The union president has that job, even though we are paying him his salary. It is time that voters stand up and make their voices heard.
http://www.guccibeltsoutletstores.net Gucci Belt http://www.coachoutletstoread.com Coach Factory Store http://www.coachoutletstoreonlineyt.com Coach Outlet Online http://www.coachfactoryonlinemore.com Coach Factory Online Store http://www.cocoachoutletonline.org Coach Online Outlet http://www.coachoutletloa.com Coach Factory Outlet Online http://www.coachfactoryoutletgood.com Coach Bags Outlet http://www.coachoutletonlineyu.net Coach Factory Online http://www.coachfactoryonlineen.com Coach Factory Online http://www.hermesbeltsod.net Hermes Belt http://www.coachoutletonlinefs.com Coach Factory Outlet http://www.coachstoretm.com Coach Outlet Store Online http://www.coachfactoryoutletc-d.com Coach Factory Online http://www.coachfactoryoutletdt.us Coach Factory Stores http://www.coachbagsoutletbo.com Coach Handbags Outlet http://www.coachoutletonlineuio.net Coach Factory Outlet http://www.coachoutletdt.net Coach Factory Store http://www.coachoutletstoregn.net Coach Bags Outlet Online http://www.coachbagsoutleton.org Coach Factory Online http://www.louisvuittonbeltsdt.net Louis Vuitton Belt