Spreadsheet: 174a123a-b730-4784-8753-600da4111155
Sheet: All

Timestamp | Name | Fair Share Fee: Those Who Don't Pay Their Fair Share | Explain your fair share position, if you choose. | Teachers' Retirement: Support in the State Budget | Explain your teachers' retirement position, if you choose. | Health Care: Continuing System Reform | Explain your health care reform position, if you choose | Teaching Career: Retaining New Teachers | Explain your teaching career position, if you choose | Teaching Profession: Simplifying Professional Relicensing | Explain your relicensing position, if you choose | Name | email address | Address | Office sought | Are you an incumbent? |  | County
2012-07-10 04:43:11 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 232 Patchen Road South Burlington | Chittenden 7-4 House Seat | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-06 14:18:14 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 232 Patchen Road, South Burlington 05403 | State Representative, Chittenden 7-4 | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-08 21:05:06 | [NAME] | Agree | Nobody should enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining if he or she is not paying his or her fair share. | Agree | We must meet the obligations that we have committed to in order to keep the profession a viable one. | Agree | Employees who currently receive health care should not be penalized under a statewide system. | Agree | As a fellow professional  I know how important it is to have a strong mentoring system.  At the same time we need to find a reliable way to measure teaching success. | Agree | I would support a relicensing process for teachers that mirrors the Medical Practice Board, Board of Bar Examiners or Office of Professional Regualtion. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 35 Brookes Ave., Burlington, Vermont 05401 | Chittenden State Senate | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-09 13:31:16 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I support pursuing comprehensive universal healthcare for all Vermonters.  I respect the work of Vermont's teachers--past, present, future.  How we negotiate the $5.5B in costs and payments related to healthcare in VT is a work in progress.  Everybody in, nobody out.  Whatever solution we come up with needs to be fair and sustainable.  To be successful this means the process and result needs to protect everyone's interests, including Vermont's teachers. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Relicensing shouldn't be a threat or burden.  It should reflect an on-going commitment to skills and knowledge to do the job measured by standard of on-going education set out well before anyone's license is challenged.  I want to know more and appreciate the issue. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 9 Germain Street, Burlington, VT 05401 | Chittenden State Senator | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-13 19:05:18 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME] 153, Cambridge, VT, 05444 | House | No |  | Lamoille
2012-08-03 10:20:30 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 714 Pero Hill Road, Thetford Center, VT 05075 | House - Windsor-Orange 2 | Yes |  | Windsor - Orange
2012-07-06 16:26:01 | [NAME] | Agree | This law must apply to all bargaining units; not just teachers. | Agree | A promise is a promise! | Agree | It is my understanding that the teachers will be exempt from the new exchange (qualified self-insured plan).  I don't have the specific information on the single payer plan - and we don't know if we'll even get a waiver to do much before 2017. | Agree | Mentoring, decent starting salaries and high quality professional development are very important and I support all three. | Agree | We should minimize bureaucracy as much as possible - here and in other areas. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 76 Beech Street | House of Representatives | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-06 17:08:22 | [NAME], MS | Agree | The provision should be standard between employers and employees because it is only fair that the persons who receive the benefits of the the negotiation should contribute their fair share. | Agree | Not meeting this committment would lack transparency that the voters have a right to expect from their government concerning existing commitments it has made. | Disagree | The statement is convoluted and does little to acknowledge the contributions of other employee groups throughout the state who may be more vulnerable due to lack of representation. | Agree | Sadly there are not enough teaching positions available and the union has improved the career choice of teaching so that many teachers tend to stay in the profession. The state should encourage youth to enter the profession but not manufacture jobs or unfairly  reward education professionals over other state employees. | Agree | The Vermont Department of Education is top heavy. We need fewer supervisors and less stringent re-certification procedures. | [NAME], MS | [EMAIL] | 82 Baxter Street | House of Representatives | No |  | Rutland
2012-07-07 23:38:20 | [NAME] | Agree | provided at least 90% of the employees are union members and the fair share is no more than 65% of the dues charged to union members. | Agree | However, we need to move from a defined benefit system to a defined contribution system | Agree | This is too complicated an issue to be answered with an agree or disagree.  Your introduction said one of the answers would be "Don't Know", but the questionaire does not offer that. | Disagree | Vermont's costs are becoming unsustainable.  Its young people who would like to be professionals cannot afford to stay here.  Until the private sector becomes more vibrant singling out one class of government employees is inappropriate.  Teachers are not going to jump start the economy...entrepeneurs are. | Agree | While relicensing should be simplified, competency in one's field should be objectively evaluated. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | Newport, Vermont | House of Representatives | Yes
2012-07-16 12:44:55 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 51 Forest Road, Essex Junction, VT 05452 | House of Representatives | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-26 10:31:30 | Celeste [NAME] | Disagree | Unions were created to protect workers from  exploitation.  If a worker chooses not to belong to a Union, a reasonalble fee may be charged, however the Agency Use Fee is too high. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Celeste [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 216, [NAME], VT 05850 | House of Representatives Caledonia 4 District (Burke, Lyndon, Sutton)  Cal | No |  | Caledonia
2012-07-16 11:19:12 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree | It seems like a matter of contractual obligation.  Also benefits like this can help attract high quality teachers. | Agree |  | Agree | This is an approach that should yield positive results. | Disagree | From my understanding of it, re-licencing isn't particularly burdensome.  Teachers need to do their share to maintain licencsing and in the process the quality of their work. | sal spinosa | [EMAIL] | [NAME] 1496 Waitsfield, VT  05673 | [NAME], Washington House District 7 | No |  | Washington
2012-07-17 14:12:59 | Rep. [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I agree as to the second part and simply don't fully understand the first part.  I certainly believe that any transition needs to have a positive rather than negative impact, but until the design becomes fully fleshed out it is difficult to weigh impacts. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I favor making relicensing as simple and transparent as possible but con't have sufficient detail on the current process to judge how to simplify it.  I'll look forward to seeing the proposal and will approach it with a supportive frame of mind, kust as I have tried to support Vermont teachers for the past 10 years! | Rep. [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 476 Newfane VT 05345 | [NAME] | Yes |  | Windham
2012-07-10 11:20:16 | [NAME] | Agree | should not be exclusive to NEA. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | Reduce busy work that doesn't reflect ability to teach. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1611 Harbor Rd. Shelburne 05482 | Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-20 17:06:26 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I have Insufficient information to answer | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 70Maple street #308, Middlebury.VT 05753 | Representative | Yes |  | Addison
2012-07-26 20:23:23 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I think where employees receive benefit from union representation, it is fair to ask for a contribution to the costs of that representation. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | There is so much we don't yet know about our attempt at health care reform (particularly the cost and how to pay for it), so I think it is premature to make any global exemptions to the system.  I hope the system benefits us all. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I don't understand the issue well enough to know if the process needs simplification. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 26 [NAME], Middlebury, VT 05753 | Representative | Yes |  | Addison
2012-08-11 18:14:13 | Suzi Wizowaty | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I do not know what the transition to the new health care system will look like. I would certainly hope that teachers would be able to continue with the same coverage they have now. But I want to see all Vermonters have decent coverage, and if we all have to pay a little more so that everyone can get coverage, I will support that. At the same time, I will do everything I can to protect teachers and other state employees--for that matter, all Vermonters--from bearing undue burden. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Suzi Wizowaty | [EMAIL] | 177 Locust Terrace | Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-13 16:05:38 | [NAME] | Agree | I strongly agree. | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I would like to see more middle aged professionals who turn to teaching as a second career.  I applaud working with new teachers, but I feel the middle age professional making a career change brings a great deal to the table.  So why just look at younger teachers? | I'd like to explain my position | I have no idea what the relicensing process is. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 37 Village Green | Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-25 00:42:26 | [NAME] "Coach" Christie | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] "Coach" Christie | [EMAIL] | 682 [NAME], White River Jct., VT 05001 | Representative - Windsor 4 - 2 | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-07-06 16:09:59 | [NAME] | Agree | I was responsible for acquiring the votes necessary to implement Fair Share/Agency Fee for VSEA in the '90's by locking myself in a freezer at [NAME] store and badgering him to get onboard.   If you want to ride the bus, you must help pay for the fuel. | Agree | As a member of the Vermont Pension Investment Committee, I fully understand the depth of the problem and the issues that created it.   NOT fully funding actuarial recommendations is a REALLY expensive way to effectively borrow money, and must be avoided. | Agree | As a member of a self funded single payer type plan, which is running well below the average cost increase of commercial plans, I understand the need for reform.   I also know I purchased some of the benefits of that plan by taking LESS along the line.  I vested in those benefits, effectively and PRE PAID for them to continue. | Agree | We need to invest in many areas of workforce development, and teachers are the foundation of that development.   Quality IN, Quality OUT... | Agree | agree with your position. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 3 grey meadow drive, burlington 05408 | Representative Chittenden 6-1  New North End | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-11 09:50:35 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I am unsure of hte ramifications of this approach in reaching a unified single payer health care system. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | But not at the expense of standards. This is a constant refrain that i hear in teh environmental protection world - half the time the call for simplification means lower protection standards. You have to define your terms better. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 5607 Westminster West Rd Putney, VT 05346 | Representative Windham -4 | Yes |  | Windham
2012-08-09 15:45:36 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I am  a VSEA retiree.  I didn't agree with my union getting this either.  I've branded it the lazy union's method of organizing.  I can more fully explain if you'd like. Plus, I think now it will draw Wisconsin-like ire. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I believe first and second year teachers should have an assigned mentor. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 407 Weir Rd, Williamstown, Vt 05679 | Representative, Orange 1 | No |  | Orange
2012-08-11 10:09:45 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I do agree with this. As a former public school teacher, having lived in a state that forbids unions, I realized how imperative it was to pay a small share of my income (1 or 2 percent) into a body that would represent my interests on a local and state level, as well as protect my job security. These efforts cannot come for free, as our system requires we be bled for money to protect ourselves. In a collective system, you give to protect yourself, you give to protect all. | I'd like to explain my position | There is no reason why the State cannot meet its obligation to pay into teacher's retirement, most espeically when said teachers are meeting their own personal obligations to the mind, body and even spirit (on occasion) of the students in their care. As I meet my obligation, the State would need to meet its own. When it comes to any public service, this should really be a non-issue, and it should be embarrassing that it is. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Having received a teaching certification in 9th to 12th grade English many years ago, then not really using it, I understand what it is like to waste time and energy to pursuit of a passionate practice, then be disenfranchised from that practice. In my case, I did not meet the ethnic or gender choice a teacher was "supposed" to be (according to the view of that local society, culturally and religiously). This should never be an allowable situation. A State board should be somewhat responsible for hiring teachers into a particular system, depending on the needs of a specific school system / supervisory union. There needs to be several people involved in such a hire, as not to leave it purely to the whims, prejudices, pre-judgments and/or nepotism of a particular principal. Student teaching needs an observing semester, then a teaching semester. Having been through the process, it need not be longer than that. However, the needs of speical-needs students should be covered as a full state course, carried by all teacher certification systems in the state colleges and the Community College of Vermont. I agree with the position listed above, but needed to add some thoughts, that are -- by no means -- complete. | I'd like to explain my position | Relicensing made simple should go without saying. Teachers simply need to keep up on prossional development seminars given in-system, in-house,or taken as short, micro-courses (affordable) given by CCV. I push these notions with CCV, as I teach for them at this time, and am partial to the Community College System in any state. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 8 Summit Street, Unit 1, Montpelier, VT, 05602 | Representative, Washington-4, Progressive | No
2012-08-10 18:28:57 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Disagree |  | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Disagree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 589 brockway mills rd springfield vt 05156 | senate | No |  | Windsor
2012-07-16 15:27:21 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | Fairfax, VT 05454-0413 | Senate Franklin County | No |  | Franklin
2012-07-23 13:57:59 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 80 Bartlett Bay Rd South Burington | Senate/Chittenden | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-09 23:55:26 | [NAME] | Agree | Agree with regard to school employeesbut feel poor policy for municipal workers in small towns where employees must work very closely together on a daily basis. Disagreements re this issue within a small workforce such as a highway dept. can cause poor work atmosphere, discension in the ranks and can lead to safely issues when there are strong disagreements. | Agree | The funding agreement reached has helped the state to have a balanced budget as well as continuing support for a healthy retirement system. I serve on Appropriations which supports funding as agreed. I continually speak out in the community and in the legislature against retirement being put in local school budgets, which is advocated for by many. | Agree | Does #2 mean there would be no support for joining another system if all the benefits were the same and there was no economic loss? | Agree | I have a daughter who just finished her 2nd year of teaching and she has frequently spoken of importance of mentoring. Fully agree with whole position for retaining new teachers. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | P.O. Box 136, [NAME], VT 05149 | Senator | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-08 19:56:22 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Disagree | We need to continue to upgrade skills in our teaching professional | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 25 Estey St Brattleboro, VT  05301 | Senator | No |  | Windham
2012-07-26 08:20:28 | Virginia "Ginny" Lyons | Agree | How the fair share is determined needs to be clarified- An inclusive, collaborative process will help move this forward. | Agree | The budgetary consequences of not doing this is that the state would be in significant financial difficulty. People who have expectations need to be provided for. Statutes should be considered as legally binding. Not funding is simply not an option. | Agree | As the Health care program is developed we should reassure folks that their access to health care is secure. However one explicit goal of reform is to remove health care from conditions of employment. Finding the balance between employment benefits and  having health care access regardless of how or where one is employed will be an ongoing challenge. The transition to the new system of portable health care should include opportunities for consideration of these important issues. | Agree | Teaching currently attracts high caliber folks. Unfortunately this is not always recognized and these teachers may move on to other endeavors. We need to listen to what they say about their experiences and improve the teaching work environment to insure that they don't burn out and or leave! Educational research can inform how to attract and keep high caliber teachers. Having special certifiction goals and a system for achieving those goals will help teachers work effectively with children. | Agree | Relicensure sholld be based on educational credentials and experience. Licensure should not be based on a personnel evaluation. Teachers should be regarded and respected as well qualified professionals. | Virginia "Ginny" Lyons | [EMAIL] | 241 White Birch Lane, Williston VT 05495 | Senator -- Chittenden County | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-13 15:57:31 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | The ends do not justify the means.  It is unconstitutional, for the State to use compulsion, even in a just cause.  We have to find a better way. We can start by downsizing Vermont's huge educational bureaucracy that adds no value and foces teachers to waste their time on "standards" rather than teaching in the classroom. My tax reform plan at http://ProsperVermont.com would result in more funding available to pay teachers the good salary that they have earned, rather than whittle away at their benefits.  That in turn would lower the union's cost and make it more affordable to teachers who can barely scrape by, to join the union voluntarily.  Honey, rather than vinegar. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME], Ripton VT 05766 | Senator, Addison | No
2012-07-06 15:51:25 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | We want all Vermonters to be part of this effort. | Agree | Mentoring new teachers seems vital to having experience shared with new teachers. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 299 South Pine Banks Rd. | State Rep | Yes
2012-07-10 12:31:30 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 500A [NAME] | State Rep | Yes
2012-07-15 07:20:16 | [NAME] | Agree | We have to do better than last session's battle with clear description of bargaining rights and financial impact. Can this be better implemented without polarizing the education community? | Agree | The concessions made in '08 helped significantly. | Agree | You support for health care reform is critical. "Grandfathered" protection is secure, but support for single pipeline administration is crucial. | Agree | Attracting and supporting young teachers is complex and primarily is effected by the host school. | Agree | Relicensing as currently coordinated by peer review should be looked at considering the wide array of offerings and delivery models. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 41, [NAME], VT 05681 | State Rep | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-10 20:16:51 | mark [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Just  not sure how this will play out . I tend to think teachers would be better off not having to negotiate for health benifits. | Agree |  | Agree |  | mark [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME] [NAME] vt | State Rep | Yes |  | Lamoille
2012-08-02 12:44:25 | Rep. [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Rep. [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 58 Hi-Hopes Road | state rep reelect | Yes |  | Windham
2012-07-16 16:26:36 | [NAME] | Agree | While I agree that all amployees should pay their fair share, I worry that in Vermont, it is already very difficult to organize new unions, and such a measurecould make future union organizing even more difficult.  As a former EMT, that tried to organize the Ambulance service I worked for, I know first hand the difficulties Union organizers face. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I think the state should provide a continuing sytem of support and enrichment to both our new teachers and to our more seasoned workforce to insure that Vermont provides the best teacher the best tools possible to provide superior education for our students.  As a parent, and as a product of the VT educational system, I see how far we've come, and how far we could go to improve our shcool system. | Agree | I feel that the relicensing proceedure shouldn't be unduely burdensome, however, I feel that the simplification of the process should include a continuing enrichment program to insure that Licensed teachers are given all the tools available to be the best teachers they can be for our kids. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 241 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602 | State Rep, Washington-4 | No |  | Washington
2012-07-06 22:03:22 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO 129  Ripton, VT  05766 | State Rep. | Yes |  | Addison
2012-08-10 18:05:08 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I support the right of teachers to bargain for health benefits along with compensation and other benefits | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 5 Sycamore Lane, [NAME]. | State rep. | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-10 15:51:33 | [NAME] | Agree | I support Fair Share. I wouldn't characterize the hurdles as they are stated in the first sentence. | Agree | I support honoring our agreements. | I'd like to explain my position | I believe we should grandfather in the plans that provide better coverage than Green Mountain Care will ultimately require, and let the state plan be the floor for negotiating additional coverage. | Agree | Strongly support. More emphasis on attracting talented and highly motivated individuals to the profession, supporter our schools with teaching programs, and high quality professional development throughout career. | Agree | Should also parallel opportunities for peer review and professional development. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 318 VT Route 110 | State Rep. | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-07-31 21:17:18 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | P.O. Box 1304 Hardwick, Vermont 05843 | State Rep. Cal-2 | No |  | Caledonia
2012-07-07 17:04:15 | [NAME] | Agree | It is unfair for employees who benefit from a collective bargaining unit to shirk the responsibility of contributing to the activities done on their behalf. We must work together to define how the fair share should be assessed so that we give employees who do not wish to participate in overtly political acvtivity the opportunity to opt out. | Agree |  | Disagree | The main goal of health care reform is to provide affordable access to health care for everyone. If Vermont gets the policy right, the new health care system should not diminish coverage or cost more for the vast majority of unionized workers. I fully support the health care reform effort and will not advocate for plans that cost more to our teachers and other unionized workers. In our current heallth care payment structure, insured workers have had costs shifted on to them that they should not have had to bear. I will not advocate for a  reformed system that increases this problem, but I am reluctant to promise that I will support special compensation for a specific group of organized labor without knowing what the benefits and payment structure will look like for everyone in our state. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 321 Lake St. | State Represenate (Franklin 3-1) | No
2012-07-06 16:42:52 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 45 South Pleasant St. Randolph, VT 05060 | state representative | Yes |  | Orange
2012-07-06 22:30:41 | [NAME] | Agree | To me, this is a basic labor principle about fairness. To enjoy the benefits of collective bargaining without contributing to costs is unfair. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 75 Notchend Rd, West Topsham, Vt 05086 | State Representative | Yes |  | Orange
2012-07-08 15:58:23 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 250 Route 2, South Hero, VT 05486 | State Representative | No |  | Grand Isle
2012-07-16 12:07:13 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I support collective bargaining rights and the ability of all employees to negotiate for additional benefits and compensation through that process, as is the case now. In order to achieve meaningful health care reform, we need everyone at the table. | Agree |  | Agree | I do not know a great deal about this issue besides what I have read from your position statement, and would gladly review additional information. If it is as cumbersome and out of line with professional growth as it sounds, then I would agree it should be simplified or improved. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 31 N Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401 | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-16 12:21:29 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 301 Paddy Hill Rd. [NAME], VT 05660 | State Representative | Yes |  | Washington
2012-07-17 14:17:56 | [NAME] | Agree | If the current calculation is roughly 80% of the dues I believe it is to high. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1209 Meehan Road, Bristol, Vermont, 05443 | State Representative | Yes |  | Addison
2012-07-23 21:26:01 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | If anyone choses to teach or engage in other professions, they should not be forced to join a union or support union activites. Similarly the union or bargaining unit should not be required to represent/defend a teacher in a grievance (or similar) if they chose not to belong to a union. | I'd like to explain my position | If the State has made contractual agreements with the teachers, it should meet those obligations and commitements. | I'd like to explain my position | Health care is an evolving system and it is too early to make pronouncements about coverage and who will pay. | I'd like to explain my position | A quality education is probably one of the most important opportunites we can offer to our children. It is incumbent on all Vermonters to support a policy that encouarages qualified young professionals to make teaching a lifelong occupation. | I'd like to explain my position | This a matter for the office of professional regulation or the Board. If there is redundancy or unecessary requests for information, then the process should be streamlined. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 134 East Shore Road South Hero, Vermont | State Representative | Yes |  | Grand Isle
2012-07-23 22:05:47 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | Every person has the right to decide for him or herself whether or not they want to be part of a union and whether or not they want to pay union dues - or whether they want to bargain for themselves.  If an employee does not choose to pay union dues, then allow that individual to negotiate their own contract terms.  Once they have to do this, they will have a deeper appreciation for what a union will or will not be able to do for them.  I believe this will help to improve the image of unions and possibly increase membership and participation. | Agree | We promised teachers a pension years ago, our children have been educated (me included) and we need to keep our promises. | I'd like to explain my position | I am so glad you are bringing this to my attention.  It is something I had not considered regarding the implication of the new system Vermont is exploring.  If the new system forces NEA members to lose access to high quality coverage that they currently have, then other employees might be in similar positions, meaning we need to reexamine whether or not the new system is in the best interest of the NEA and Vermonters in general.  I think the health benefits we provide to teachers, especially in retirement, far outweigh fixed dollar amounts in a pension.  Therefor calulating a compensation amount that will be fair over a thirty year retirement could prove very difficult. | I'd like to explain my position | The most important education policy matter is in regards to the quality of education Vermont students receive.  I think each local school district should determine the way in which they want to attract and retain the highest quality teachers.  Having several local districts working on this problem, we are more likely to find a successful way to keep more teachers in the profession.  What attracts teachers to Burlington may be different than what attracts them to Enosburg. | Agree | I think that the bar to enter the profession is high enough, I wold support and co-sponsor any measure to reduce or even eliminate the cumbersome requirements for retaining a license that was granted by the state (especially if it was not a reciprocal license) .  Since many teachers take time off to raise a family, I want to make sure their re entrance into the profession is as simple and easy as possible and would welcome feedback from the NEA on helpful ways to do that.  The fact that someone could be an excellent teacher for over 20 years, and yet if they miss one step could lose their license is totally unacceptable to me.  Continuing education courses can also be an expensive burden for many teachers who are already paying for classroom supplies out of their own pocket.  We need to reduce this burden as well. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 26 [NAME] | State Representative | No
2012-07-24 11:57:58 | Teo Zagar | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Teo Zagar | [EMAIL] | PO Box 875 Barnard VT 05031 | State Representative | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-07-24 21:13:39 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 245 South Main St, Apt 1, Northfield VT | State Representative | Yes
2012-07-27 10:09:23 | [NAME] | Agree | I have vocally supported fair share | Agree | I would like VT teachers to have as good a retirement plan as our Congressional delegation; proportionally.  That said VT State Budgetting is a science of balance which, by needs, must be honored. | Agree | I believe appropriate "insulating" is in place.  I supported that in our VT health Care bill this past year. | Agree | I believe our direction towrd statewide "universal" health care is a keystone for teachers, schools, labor and business.and | I'd like to explain my position | I regret my ignorance in this matter. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 592 Gov. Chittenden RD. [NAME] | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-05 15:25:51 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree | that said, we are all working from a small, partially full cookie jar | Agree | we did that, I believe | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I am in need of testimony on the subject from the House Ed.  committee | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 592 Gov. Chittenden RD. [NAME] | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-27 12:22:34 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree | I was on the commission to study retirement and benefits and supported your positions on all issues including funding. | Agree | As long as health care is grandfathered we are safe with our benefits. Collective bargaining should be preserved. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 82 pamela ct. [NAME], vt | state representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-29 22:36:40 | [NAME] | Agree | This is standard procedure for any collective bargaining unit. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | The teachers of our children have an extremely important role to play - they hold one of the most important jobs in our society.  Attracting and retaining high quality teachers must be a priority. | I'd like to explain my position | I do not know anything about the current relicensing process.  I need to be better informed before adopting a position. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 23 Linden Rd., Hartland, VT 05048 | State Representative | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-07 11:32:05 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | The health plans in the exchange will provide a benchmark for health care coverage. Like all employees, teachers will be able to bargain for additional benefits or compensation if they are not satisifed with the benchmarks. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1531 Ripley Road, Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 | State Representative | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-08 08:25:26 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I believe retaining new teachers is a critical issue and applaud you for making this a priority.  I have family and friends who are teachers and have seen them experience the challenges of starting a career in teaching.  We can do better in Vermont and it's time we invest in our new teachers.  You can count on me. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 27 Spring Street, Burlington, VT 05401 | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-08 18:41:21 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | At the end of the legislative session this issue was brought up for a vote with little testimony.  It was a completely new issue to me.  If the bill hadn't been pulled I would have voted for it.  I believe more work needs to be done on the issue.  It really is the local union bearing the cost.  Shouldn't they be reimbursed?  I also wonder why it is not bargained for stronger during negotiations. | Agree |  | Agree | During the transition. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I agree but would like to know more about the stumbling blocks. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] vt.us | [NAME] 94, Wolcott, Vt 05680 | State Representative | Yes |  | Lamoille
2012-08-09 12:11:26 | Debbie Evans | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Debbie Evans | [EMAIL] | 53greenfield rd. Essex jct. | State representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-09 12:58:09 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 360 South Main, Rochester, VT 05767 | State Representative | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-09 21:56:54 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1286 Hazen Notch Road, Lowell, VT 05847 | State Representative | No |  | Orleans
2012-08-09 23:21:06 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 62 West Street Brattleboro VT 05301 | state representative | Yes |  | Windham
2012-08-10 10:28:35 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 318 Summer St.  Springfield, VT 05156 | State Representative | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-10 13:25:30 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | my amendment to the state healthcare reform law ;as you remember my work with union reps; insured the right to collective bargining concerning healthcare | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 97 Sunset Rd  Barretown Vt.05641 | State Representative | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-10 14:56:14 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 222 Park Street, Burlington | State Representative | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-10 15:50:20 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | We must move to a universal, single payer system. That means, everyone in, everyone pays. Teachers will no longer have to bargain over health care and presumably, as a large employer, districts will see a savings. I will fight to see those passed along to teachers but am uncomfortable giving teachers or any sector of employee special treatment when we shift to single payer. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 12 Brookes Ave, Burlington, VT  05401 | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-11 13:49:25 | [NAME] | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I agree, although adjustments or modifications going forward should be on the table. | I'd like to explain my position | I think that if and when GMC is implemented, Vermont teachers should be part of the same system as everyone else.  There sould not be a separate carve-out for any group. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I don't know enough about this issue to say whether I agree or disagree. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 393 Natures Way, Charlotte, VT 05445 | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-13 15:19:58 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 138 North Street, Montpelier 05602 | State Representative | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-14 17:40:01 | [NAME] | Agree | I agree with a fair share requirement. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I would like to understand more. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 2751 Baldwin Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461 | State Representative | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-14 17:53:45 | Emmett S Dunbar | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | As the Board Secretary of a preschool, I would like to see the re-licensing of teachers coming from out of state to be simpler.  Peer Review is good, but many teachers are spending allot of time and money proving something that they have already done and are amply qualified to do.  Some of the licencing requirements have made it difficult to fill staff positions and have been counterproductive to the smooth running of our preschool. | Emmett S Dunbar | [EMAIL] | PO Box [NAME], VT 05155 | State Representative | No |  | Windham
2012-08-16 12:39:40 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1612 Old [NAME], Windham, VT 05359 | State Representative | Yes |  | Windham
2012-08-16 23:08:56 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 467 Chester, VT | State Representative | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-17 15:34:16 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I remember the sacrifices made by teachers and other school employees in both pay and benefits when called on to take some of the pain during a different time, financially and politically. I am a strong supporter of a single-payer system to manage the financing of health care. The State has come a long way towards this goal. I don't know how it will work out with the Exchange System and the federal waiver, what will be the best we can do, regarding employers role. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 221 No. [NAME]. Burlington, VT 05401 | State Representative | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-23 16:00:40 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I believe #2 is already a part of health care reform beyond the exchanges, and if not should be protected. And I certainly hope we will be offering equivalent packages to the rest of the population that need health care as teachers have negotiated. | Agree | Funds for professional development should be returned to the budget, but at this time this is more of a local decision. Keeping and retaining quality teachers based on state incentives would be welcome. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 12 Winooski Street, Waterbury, VT | State Representative | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-01 15:53:39 | [NAME] (Dan) C. Morrison | Agree | As a negotiator I’ve supported this within our last two contracts—it just makes sense that if one is to reap the rewards they should pay their fair share. | Agree | With many Vermont educators burden by thirty years or more of student loans—these educators enter the profession enter the field not for financial gain but instead for the impacts they can have on others. This position is paramount for giving us the security blanket we need in order to focus on what’s really important our students. | Agree |  | Agree | As a relatively new teacher (this will be my 5th year) - this position is a recipe for success. On my own I've mentored beginning teachers, I've spent countless hours assisting them, and know they're motivated to work hard - the process for assistance shouldn't be this difficult. To have a formal policy (one created by educators) that supports retaining new teachers is a wise investment that we all benefit from. | Agree | I could speak at length about this. Each year of relicensing brings new stories about the hoops to jump through. | [NAME] (Dan) C. Morrison | [EMAIL] | 3140 W. Proctor Rd., Center Rutland, Vermont 05765-1129 | State Representative | No |  | Rutland
2012-08-12 09:56:01 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Would like to know more about the existing one | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | Po box 422 Sheldon springs VT  05485 | State representative | Yes |  | Franklin
2012-08-12 18:14:40 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 364 Cobb Hill Rd Lincoln, 05443 | State Representative | Yes |  | Addison
2012-08-17 11:31:51 | [NAME] | Agree | Teachers know the needs of Vermont's students and how to make improvements in education. They are on the front-lines and  bring compassion and commitment to their jobs everyday. I believe teachers need to be better compensated for the work that they do and therefore need the necessary influence that the current structure provides to advocate for their students and themselves. | Agree | Absolutely. I am in full agreement that the retirement security of all public servants must be preserved. | Agree |  | Agree | Teachers are required to do too much outside of their teaching duties. Additionally, we need to make certain that we assist teachers with their education debt while making certain that they are well compensated. Additionally, we do need to provide future teachers with more time student teaching, and I think this opportunity should be given earlier in one's education rather than only at the end. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 1292 West Road, [NAME] | State Representative | Yes |  | Bennington
2012-08-20 00:10:45 | [NAME] | Agree | i have voted for the Agency fee bill every time it has come up in the House. | Agree | Underfunding of the pension systems is one of the most problematic issues we face. The teachers system needs attention immediately and is a grave concern of mine! e | Agree | I am aware there are many concerns about the new system. To my knowledge there is nothing of concern to the collective bargaining process. It is difficult to make any assumptions at this point. | Agree |  | Agree | Relicensing should be contingent on courses that align with the area of practice and should be made available locally and within accessible time frames | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 8 Thorpe Avenue, St. Albans, Vt. 05478 | State Representative | Yes |  | Franklin
2012-07-09 17:12:46 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Disagree | While recruiting quality teachers is important and I support the goal, this is not "the most important" education policy matter our state faces. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 52 Park Street, [NAME] | State representative - Rutland-6 (Brandon, Pittsford, Sudbury) | No |  | Rutland
2012-08-15 12:43:39 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | VT-NEA and VEHI have done a superb job in addressing health care for its members and costs to our communities.  VT NEA should be applauded for its leadership.  Health Care should continue to be an integral part of the negotiating process. | I'd like to explain my position | Certainly there is and will continue to be a need to attract high-caliber individuals to be educational professionals-teachers and administrators.  While mentoring is an excellent part of retention , forgiving partial debt loan and other incentives could be considered.  The most important part of retention should be addressing the curriculum at in-state higher [NAME] teaching programs. Are the teachers ready to meet the needs of the current student? Traditional teacher curriculum should include/require classroom management, special needs training and experience, ie in emotional behaviors and autism, so that one is well-prepared for the classroom experience.  The curriculum of the special needs educator also needs to be addressed in a similar manner.  Perhaps, [NAME] could take a role in looking at the quality of in-state curriculum. | I'd like to explain my position | Not sure of current process for licensure, in order to comment.    However,  I feel strongly that qualifications for licensure ( issued by the State) must be separate from performance, which is performed by a supervisor within local school districts/SU. | [NAME] | [NAME] | 228 Washington, Ave.  Bennington, VT 05201 | State Representative Bennington #2-2 | Yes |  | Bennington
2012-07-25 16:34:34 | [NAME] | Agree | I agree with the fairness principle in the NEA position. However, this is a very contentious issue locally. I would like to see the NEA reach out to local citizen education governance leaders and their lead management teams. Many individuals in leadership positions on school matters have expressed their principled concerns and have real differences and experiences on this issue. While the NEA may not be able to reach agreement on the issue with those concerned, it can listen and build mutual respect and understanding that will serve all sides well on this and other public employee/employer relations in the years ahead. | Agree |  | Agree | I support universal healthcare and a well thought out sustainable single payer system that offers excellent care for Vermonters. Teachers have by in large long supported this goal through their contract negotiations and communities have resourced this need in supporting school budgets. As we go through health care reform in VT and nationally, those who have care need to sustain that care and where possible have avenues to make improvements. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | botzow@sover,net | ? | State Representative Bennington-1 (Pownal and Woodford) | Yes |  | Bennington
2012-08-11 10:33:08 | [NAME] | Agree | I am a faculty member at UVM and an AFT member | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Under the new federal law many plans such as those of VT-NEA would be grandfathered.  I continue to support the right of union members to negotiate for higher or more robust benefits  or insulation from an potential changes as part their contract. | Agree | As someone who teaches at UVM | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 67 [NAME], South Burlington, VT 05403 | State Representative Chittenden (South Burlington) 7-2 | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-06 16:58:41 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 108 Rivers Edge Drive | State Representative [NAME]. 6-1 (2 seats) | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-06 22:04:16 | [NAME] | Agree | As a long time member of the Vermont NEA (22 years) I understand the importance of everyone paying their fair share. | Agree | As a retiree this year I understand and support the need to fully fund our retirement system for teachers who have dedicated their life to the teaching profession. Having spent my entire 34 year career working as an educator in Vermont I believe the state should live up to its commitment for retired educators. | Agree | Currently I am paying a high percentage for my health care than a retiree would spend in many other states. | Agree | I agree in principle with this statement.  However there are many other issues of concern to teachers in Vermont.  There is some talk in Vermont around making changes in a teacher's right to strike.  I feel this would be an issue of equal importance as it could cost the state some of its best vetern teachers. | Agree | The ;process for teacher relicensing in Vermont is entirely too complicated.  More would be achieved with a system that focuses on a reasonable time line for teachers to achieve their master of educaiton degree. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 91 [NAME] | State Representative in Vermont | No |  | Bennington
2012-07-07 13:56:57 | [NAME] | Agree | I am totally opposed to free riders | Agree | I am part of this system | Agree | I support universal health care | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 33 abbott avenue | state representative wash-3 | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-07 07:05:48 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I believe that employees should be free to negotiate health care benefits that result in lower cost sharing and greater coverage but I also believe that health care reform will only work if everyone is in the same pool. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 123 Calais | State Representative Washington-6 | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-07 21:39:03 | [NAME] | Agree | To get the benefit of the union and not pay for it is just not right and it undermines the bargaining power of all employees. | Agree | The choice people make to go into a profession includes whether or not they will have a pension to help them after they retire. Teachers rely on the promise of a pension that will be there in retirement. If we say we value education we need to value teachers. That includes making sure that Vermont honors our commitment to our teachers' retirement fund. | I'd like to explain my position | Teachers and other organized workers have definitely made sacrifices and concessions to keep adequate health benefits; indeed all middle and low income people have sacrificed and are suffering from our lack of universal health care coverage. We need a system that recognizes that health care is a human right and decouples coverage from employment or income. Within this system, employees should be allowed to negotiate for benefits that supplement health benefits that all Vermonters have the right to. Overall, the cost of health care should go down under single payer, with all Vermonters sharing and being treated equally, and employers should use those savings to help employees transition to this new system. | Agree | Investing in essential infrastructure includes human capital as well as buildings and other physical things. If Vermont is to prosper in the new world economy, we are going to have to improve our support for young people who decide that teaching makes economic sense and well as for personal satisfaction. | Agree | There is no reason for teacher relicensing to be more difficult than relicensing for other professions. Relicensing should not be cumbersome, time consuming or based on a non-objective process. A complicated licensing process discourages people from going into teaching while a simplified relicensing process does not and allows for a proper focus on professional development throughout the teacher's working life. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 102 St. Louis St., Burlington | State Representative-Chitt. 6-3 | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-08 08:59:31 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I believe strongly in a single payer model of health care. Until such time that it can happen, I believe that negotiations should continue. However, it will become necessary that we are all in the one system and negotiations for special groups must end. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 2 Runnemede [NAME], VT 05089 | State Representative-Windsor 1 | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-07-09 16:18:49 | [NAME] | Agree | The NEA position appears to be a fair position to all involved. | Agree | Given that teacher salaries at entry level tend to be lower than that of most other professionsals, benefits at least make up for some of the disparity.  It has concerned me for a long time that teaching is the noblest of professions but not adequately rewarded. | Agree | I am unsure on this issue.  Until everything rolls out with the Affordable care Act and Vermont's Green Mountain Care, I don't have enough information as to what position to take, but the NEA proposal sounds reasonable. | Agree | Retaining the best and the brightest is the number one priority to  create a top quality system of public education.  On the other side of this is a need that teachers who do not meet the high standards required to be best they can be should not be able to continue on teaching forever. | Agree | Again I don't have sufficient knowledge to answer this question directly.  Like other highly skilled professions, teachers should have to maintain and improve their skills in order to remain at the cutting edge.  [NAME] should be as uncomplicated as possible but of sufficient depth to provide necessary information. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 350 [NAME]South Ryegate VY 05069 | State Representative, Caledonia District-1 | No |  | Caledonia
2012-09-03 11:40:12 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 74 foothills Dr., Jericho, VT 05465 | State Representative, Chittenden 3 | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-09 10:58:08 | [NAME] | Agree | Collective bargaining benefits all employees and the cost to bargain and enforce the contract must be a shared expense amongst all bargaining unit employees. | Agree |  | Agree | The Affordable Care Act, which was passed with the help and hard work of organized labor, will in fact not benefit their members, but society as a whole. Most union households will in fact be assessed a 'cadillac tax' for having already negotiated good health care, so it is only right to give credit to those unions, such as the NEA and CWA for having benefited all of society. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 18 Lamoille St, Fairfax, VT 05454 | State representative, Franklin-2 | No |  | Franklin
2012-08-01 11:02:35 | [NAME] | Agree | As a 34 year member of the APFA at American Airlines, I am in full agreement with Vermont-NEA! | Agree | As fellow Vermonters and as representatives in their General Assembly, we must live up to our decisions of the past and obligations. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 24 Griswold Drive | State Representative/Rutland City | Yes |  | Rutland
2012-08-01 11:06:29 | [NAME] | Agree | As a 34 year member of the APFA at American Airlines, I am in full agreement with Vermont-NEA! | Agree | As fellow Vermonters and as representatives in their General Assembly, we must live up to our decisions of the past and obligations. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 24 Griswold Drive Rutland, VT 05701 | State Representative/Rutland City | Yes |  | Rutland
2012-07-06 14:09:55 | [NAME] | Agree | My understanding is that non-union members still benefit from the negotiation process that the union undertakes, in spite of their non membership. Employees don't have to join the union, but why shouldn't they pay for a service that they benefit from? | Agree | If we made a promise to an individual, we have to live up to that promise. | Agree | If elected, I plan on working to ensure that school employees receive benefits that are equal to, or better than, what they receive now. | Agree | As a young professional with many friends who have Recently become educators, I believe that it is imperative that we attract, support, and keep talented young teachers. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 6206 Georgia Shore Road, st. Albans VT 05478 | State Senate | No |  | Franklin
2012-07-06 19:13:48 | [NAME] | Agree | I supported agency fees this year and will again. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 118 Ox [NAME]; Rutland, VT 05701 | State Senate | Yes |  | Rutland
2012-07-07 06:31:16 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | you should be able to retain your current coverage if you choose as the point is to get all people covered | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] rodgers | [EMAIL] | p o box 217 glover vt 05839 | state senate | No |  | Orleans
2012-07-07 17:08:35 | [NAME] | Agree | I sponsored the amendment that prevailed in the Senate with respect to fair share fees for teacher bargaining units, and led the debate in favor of it. Unfortunately it died in the House. Prior to passing the amendment, as vice-chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee I helped write the bill that would have required fair share fees for every collective bargaining unit under the state’s jurisdiction – teachers, municipal and state employees, and some private sector unions. I support fair share fees on principle, and will be pro-active once again in January. | Agree | The teachers stepped up in 2010 in an unheralded agreement to save the state money. I had concerns this would make teaching in Vermont less attractive for young teachers. I discussed the issue with some younger teachers, and because they agreed with the deal, I felt more comfortable voting to approve it. | Agree | I agree, though the “compensation” would rightly come primarily from local school districts. I look forward to examining the effects on the State’s finances of health care reform as it relates to our teaching force to see if the State has a role in ensuring a fair deal. | Agree | As by far the youngest member of the Senate, this is an issue of special importance to me. Many of my friends are just the young, bright teachers we need more of. I do not believe the State has a coherent plan to deal with demographic changes in the teaching workforce. We need to turn attention to that. | Agree | Though not an issue I am extremely familiar with, I generally agree. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 45 Lakeview Terrace, Burlington, VT 05401 | State Senate | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-07-07 19:25:24 | [NAME] | Agree | If an individual is going to be represented by the union no matter what--whether they pay dues or not, then they should pay their fair share that everybody else in the union does. | Agree | Teachers have a hard job, and they shouldn't be shorted on retirement due to a lack of funding, so I agree that the state needs to meet it's annual funding so retirees can have a comfortable and stable living in retirement. | Agree | People who are considering becoming teachers could decide on another profession if they don't think they will get good health coverage or some other form of compensation and benefits. | Agree | If new teachers are given more benefits, help and incentives to stay in the profession, then there will be more teachers and smaller class sizes in the long run, so we need to do what we can to support them. | Agree | It is time-consuming, discouraging and financially burdensome if teachers have to continuously be relicensed in order to continue teaching where they might move to a new profession. If a teacher is doing his/her job well, then there is no need for them to ever have to be relicensed. Once they have their license, and they are doing a good job, then there is no need for this. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME], Milton, VT 05468 | State Senate | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-29 20:22:51 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I'm absolutely committed to systemic reform, and I strongly support the right of teachers to continue to negotiate with their employers on health care benefits.  With that said, I'm not comfortable with a statement that says, essentially, no teacher may suffer anything deemed "economic loss."  If we say that for teachers, we'll need to say it for many professions, and soon we've substantially circumscribed the ability of the Green Mountain Care Board to reshape the system.  I will certainly fight to make everyone a winner in the new system, but I can't make a blanket pledge that no one will pay even a bit more, in any given profession or large class of workers. | Agree | Teh Senate Education Committee wrote legislation offering mentoring at the administrative level -- it only seems commonsense to extend it to rank-and-file members in the classroom.  A way to retain teachers, strengthen consistency in schools, and arguably save money down the road. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 87 Curtis Avenue | State Senate | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-03 10:43:06 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 24 Colonial Dr. [NAME] | State Senate | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-10 16:10:16 | [NAME] ([NAME]) McCormack | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Questions like these are in flux and must be considered in a context that is still in flux. Before answering definitively I need to consider the health reform in its entirety, something that does not yet exist. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I lack sufficient information to answer this question. | [NAME] ([NAME]) McCormack | [EMAIL] | 127 Cleveland Brook Road, Bethel, Vermont 05032 | State Senate | Yes |  | Windsor
2012-08-14 15:25:17 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | Not only to make sufficiently attractive but also to make teaching in Vermont competitive with teaching in other States. This will greatly help not only with recruiting but with retention. | Agree | I agree because, simplifying [NAME] is different from licensing where the bar should not be lowered. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | P.O. Box 5608 Burlington, Vermont 05402 | State Senate | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-30 13:29:05 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | Everyone must be protected from loss, not just teachers. I support the negotiating process, but it is difficult to predict now what the negotiating process will look like if we actually implement a true "single payer" system. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 93 Story Rd. North Middlesex, Vt. 05682 | State Senate Washington County | Yes |  | Washington
2012-08-13 09:52:12 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | As a general rule I believe agency fees are equivalent to a closed shop.  That concept runs contrary to my view of what Vermont is all about. I take issue with the claim that non-union employees are "standing in the way."  There is another side to that discussion. One of the drawbacks to being a non-union teacher is that you are limited to whatever benefits/salary the union bargains for.  There are teachers I know who put in far more time than most, who have a proven record of good class scores, that would much prefer to be paid based on merit.  They cannot be paid based on merit because they are forced to accept the contract the union has negotiated.  I think it is insulting to accuse those who choose not to join the union, for whatever reason, of "standing in the way" of anything.  Leading off your position with that statement only tends to polarize and alienate, making those of us searching for a compromise very uncomfortable.. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I agree with the first concept that employees should be insulated as much as possible from potential economic loss.  The second contention, regarding continuing ability to negotiate health care benefits, runs counter to the current administration's push for "universal" health care.  Although I did not support that push, in order for it to be done in a way that saves the money projected by Dr. [NAME], every Vermonter will have to be part of the insurance pool.  Carving out exceptions for segments of Vermonters will only threaten the integrity of that system and lead to different forms of coverage for different people.  So if the state chooses to go in a "universal" direction, I don't see how providing negotiating rights to employees will fit within that system.  (Again, I did not vote for this system, but it appears that is the direction we are heading in.  If that does NOT happen, then I would agree with this second contention as well.) | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | As a licensed professional myself, I'd like to know what changes you are proposing before I decide whether to support them or not.  Conceptually I am generally in favor of simplifying any process that is duplicative or needlessly cumbersome. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME] 142, Lyndonville, VT 05851 | State Senate, Caledonia District | Yes |  | Caledonia
2012-07-14 17:24:55 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I agree that all employees are entitled to the right to fair representation, whether or not they are a member of VT-NEA, so there ought to be compensation for the service. | I'd like to explain my position | I strongly agree with this statement - the time and commitment teachers place in their positions need fair and continued state funding. | I'd like to explain my position | I agree with this statement. Vermont is at the forefront of the universal healthcare movement. I believe this transition to a federal model should include negotiating abilities. | I'd like to explain my position | I agree with the fact that we need a new cadre of professionals in education in Vermont, due to the aging teacher population. But the state must ensure that potential candidates are properly prepared for their positions in the work force. Portfolio and Peer-Review processes need to be strengthened, if they are to serve as alternate routes to employment. Funding from the state should be directed towards college preparation, and to make the profession more attractive to college students. | I'd like to explain my position | I agree, as long as the process maintains strong certification standards. My wife is a member of the DOE LSB Board in her district, and identitifes with VT-NEA that some alteration is ncessary, but only if the standards continue best practices. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 921 Burroughs Road, Wheelock, VT  05851 | State Senate, Caledonia-Orange |  |  | Caledonia
2012-08-11 15:56:07 | Debbie Ingram | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I am an extremely strong supporter of the health care reforms the state is trying to achieve. I also am a strong supporter of our teachers and other school employees. I certainly lean toward supporting this particular request, but I do feel I must say that there are so many questions still left to be decided about health care reform that we may need some continuing dialogue about how it will completely play out for the VT-NEA. I will try my hardest to uphold this position, but please recognize that the realities of the situation may affect these two requests in the final analysis. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Debbie Ingram | [EMAIL] | 2120 South Road, Williston, VT 05495 | state senate, Chittenden County | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-13 14:32:46 | [NAME] | Agree | As a former national president of the National Writers Union, UAW1981 and president of the Champlain Valley Central Labor Council for over 10 years, and as a substitute teacher in middle school and high school in Delaware and former adjunct professor at Johnson State College and Burlington College, I have long understood the importance of agenct fees to compensate unions for the expenses involved in negotiating salaries/wage and benefits negotiated by the union and enjoyed by nonunion members of the workplace. I fully support the NEA's position on this. | Agree | After years of educating our youths,  teachers should not have to worry about their retirement funds being underfunded. The State of Vermont must fully meet its annual obligations to the retirement funds. | Agree | The great fear among many union members is that health care reforms will not recognize the rights and benefits won by their members after long struggles. I am fully committed to principle of honoring school employees' right to collectively bargain with their employers for health care benefits and to insulate school employees from any economic loss in the transition to the new health care system. | Agree | Totally agree. If Vermonters are to receive the education they need to not just survive but thrive in the glabal economy, investing in proven ways of helping young professionals is imperative. | Agree | Relicensing by the State of qualified teachers should not be confused with rehiring by a school district or any other educational employer. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 3538 Upper Pleasant Valley Road, Cambridge, Vermont 05444 | State Senator | No |  | Lamoille
2012-08-06 15:20:21 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I agree that this issue needs discussion and action and I support the concept, but need to know more about how this fee would be determined and colllected. | Agree |  | Agree | I agree and will continue to study how state and feeral healthcare proposals will impact retirees; benefits. | Agree | This must be high priority and in my opinion there is much that can be done at minimal cost to school districts. | Agree | Too much paper and not enough emphasis on the key variables. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 23 Broadway  Swanton, VT 05488 | State Senator | No |  | Franklin
2012-07-14 15:05:36 | [NAME] | Agree | I agree, provided that all parties maintain transparency.   All employees should be advised of their "Beck rights" according to the Supreme Court's 1988 ruling in Communications Workers of America v. Beck. Employees should also be advised of the difference in cost between the "fair share" and the "full share" and how the difference between the two is calculated. I should point out that this and my other four answers are strictly my opinion and do not reflect the opinions of the citizens of Washington County. Details of my plan to accurately represent Washington County citizens may be found here: http://vermontelection.org/2012/06/04/jeremys-plan/ | Agree | I admit that I am not an expert on this particular issue, but at a shallow level, I support funding the pension plans. If the current system of funding seems to be working, I am not inclined to change it without cause. If the current system does need changing, I am not sure that I support the state (and its taxpayers, in turn) bearing this burden exclusively. I suspect that there are probably creative but effective steps that don't require dramatic increases in taxes or dramatic decreases in benefits. I admit that I don't know what these steps might be, and will continue to educate myself about this issue. | I'd like to explain my position | I disagree, partially because of the way the question was initially worded. As the question suggested, the costs of the statewide health care system are still in doubt. To offer pre-emptive compensation or benefits to offset *possible* future coverage reduction or cost increases seems somewhat premature. If these coverage reductions or cost increases become reality, I would support maintaining current benefit levels and costs. I support employees being able to negotiate with their employers regarding matters of health care. | Agree | I support improving mentoring programs, extending student teaching, providing for a reduced workload for new teachers, and improving special needs training programs. I also support training programs for and research into alternative pedagogical techniques. I am lukewarm on providing funds for new teachers' student loans. (I think there are better ways to approach that problem.) | Agree | This is another item on which I do not feel fully qualified to comment, and would be happy to learn more. Having briefly looked over the materials required for relicensing, I do believe that it is possible to streamline the process without undermining what I see as the goals of the licensing process: to ensure that teachers meet or exceed expected standards and continue to improve their skills via additional training and professional development. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 19 Black Road, Berlin, VT 05602 | State Senator for Washington County | No |  | Washington
2012-08-14 21:36:59 | Rep. [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | Health Care and the direction the Nation has charted along with the direction Vermont is in the middle to charting will require everyone to remain open and flexible.  I support the Vermont NEA position in theory and will remain open as the years unfold the health care debate. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | The position of the Vermont-NEA in seeking a less complex teaching relicensing process is something I most likely support. At this time I lack enough knowledge on the relicensing process to take a firm either-or position.  More knowledge and an agreed path to changes is something I look forward to supporting. | Rep. [NAME] | [NAME] | PO Box 165, Vergennes, VT 05491 | Vermont House of Representative | Yes |  | Addison
2012-07-09 15:10:25 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | Agree | Agree, but the "commitment" might have to change based on financial conditions in order to make sure the system remains solvent. | Disagree | Disagree because this appears to say that teachers would be exempt  from a system that everyone else is required to use. | Agree | Agree for "proven" ways that can be accomplished at reasonable costs. | Disagree | Need more info. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 617 Sheldon Brook Road, Lyndonville, 05851 | Vermont Senate | No |  | Caledonia
2012-07-30 21:17:19 | [NAME] | Agree | Having been a negotiator for 9 years, three of those as chief negotiator, I fully understand the work and commitment our negotiators and our leadership placed into achieving a fair contract for all. Both union members and non-union members benefited from those efforts. Therefore, they should share in the expense of those efforts. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | The teaching profession has changed dramatically and new teachers need all the support and guidance they can get. | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 38 Prospect Street Essex Junction, Vt | Vermont Senate | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-26 09:27:09 | [NAME] | Disagree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I strongly agree with your general statement regarding the importance of the state meeting its funding commitment.   However, I also strongly believe that the wording of your question is incomplete, and does not address the core issue:  In order to preserve the integrity of the commitments it has made to the State Teachers’ Retirement System as well as to its state workers’ pension system, the state must have a robust and expanding tax base.  If it does not, future pension fund contributions by the state can only be made at the expense of current program funding or increasingly higher taxes.  The former threaten to provoke a potentially corrosive public debate about the equity of having 95% of the population be required to pay for a benefit most of them do not receive, potentially at the expense of current state services some of them expect or require.  The latter will merely exacerbate the outflow of young people from our state by discouraging job creation and economic activity, thereby hastening precisely the type of impossible trade-offs I allude to above.  So, the issue is not that the state should fully fund its obligations.  For that matter, I am strongly against seeing any Vermonter go homeless or hungry.  That is not the question. The question is “how” can we create an environment whereby the state of Vermont can sustainably fund its obligations responsibly?  I would respectfully suggest that it is in your members’ interest that our state has a dynamic and thriving private sector to pay the taxes needed for current educational programs and the ongoing obligations to retirees.  In my experiences with educators, I have found that many appear to be quite distanced from the private economy, and may not fully appreciate the intimate connection between having a prosperous private sector and a robust tax base needed to fund schools (salaries) and other important programs. | I'd like to explain my position | I agree with both of your points but would insist that they be extended to all workers – unionized and not – in Vermont. That would be the only fair and just thing to do. I have stated repeatedly that the state’s health care/insurance initiative threatens to further undermine our efforts to attract economic activity and job creation to Vermont.  To the extent that it does, it will therefore worsen the exodus of young adults and young families from our state.  This exodus has already resulted in a situation where our state spends almost 40% more on a per student basis than the national average.  This latter trend in turns is a serious threat to ongoing taxpayer support of public education in Vermont.   I do not think it is defensible to grant a carve-out solely to NEA members for a public policy initiative which is so manifestly flawed for all Vermonters.  So, to the extent that NEA members are a sub-set of our broader society, I agree with your points so long as the same privilege is granted to all. | I'd like to explain my position | Once again, I agree with your general statement but feels that it lacks specificity.  I strongly support any initiative which aims to attract high caliber young adults into the teaching profession.  I am especially focused on STEM teaching at the K-12 level.  I would, for example, strongly support one-time signing bonuses for appropriately credentialed/certified new teachers in STEM disciplines, as this reflects a state and national priority.  That said, I would be strongly opposed to across-the-board significant increases in base pay as a way to attract STEM talent, as the kind of increases that could be offered given the numbers involved would render the increases trivial and ineffective at attracting the kind of talent that’s needed.  I also feel that the Vermont-NEA and school boards must work on some way to incentivize young teachers in lieu of the existing system which grants across-the-board raises based on seniority.  Merely superimposing raises at the base onto the current structure will have the effect of diluting the types of incentives that could be offered to truly excellent teachers to the point where they will be ineffective. | I'd like to explain my position | On the one hand, I must admit to a certain lack of expertise in terms of assessing Vermont’s regulations compared to other states, so it is hard for me to comment on your position or offer one of my own on this issue.  On the other hand, I am also confused about your reference to “relicensing” as it seems to preclude the notion of some kind of fast-track licensing for people who are just entering the teaching profession – perhaps at a later point in their lives – but who may possess highly valued skills and credentials (e.g. in STEM teaching). | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | RobertforVermont - P.O. Box 8307 - Essex Junction VT 05451-8307 | Vermont Senate - Chittenden | No |  | Chittenden
2012-07-23 12:44:10 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I need more information. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I would support creating a new teacher mentoring system that better meets the needs of new teachers and is directly proactive to the issues new teachers face. | Agree | Very strongly support.  This system wastes personal resources and finances.  It does not directly relate to a teacher's qualifications for relicensure. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 1162  [NAME]. 05088 | Vermont State House | No |  | Windsor
2012-07-23 12:44:11 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I need more information. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I would support creating a new teacher mentoring system that better meets the needs of new teachers and is directly proactive to the issues new teachers face. | Agree | Very strongly support.  This system wastes personal resources and finances.  It does not directly relate to a teacher's qualifications for relicensure. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 1162  [NAME]. 05088 | Vermont State House | No |  | Windsor
2012-07-23 12:44:37 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I need more information. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | I would support creating a new teacher mentoring system that better meets the needs of new teachers and is directly proactive to the issues new teachers face. | Agree | Very strongly support.  This system wastes personal resources and finances.  It does not directly relate to a teacher's qualifications for relicensure. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 1162  [NAME]. 05088 | Vermont State House | No |  | Windsor
2012-07-23 11:54:03 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree | Although I agree with your position statement relative to Retaining New Teachers, I am troubled by the fact that you refer to the teacher as "her" in the Issues Statement. | Agree | Although I agree with the Vermont-NEA position statement, I am troubled when you refer to the teacher as "she." | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 4367 Route 36. Fairfield. Vermont. 05455 | Vermont State House of Representatives | No |  | Franklin
2012-08-17 16:57:19 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | Discussion of agency fees are rightly part of the local collective bargaining process. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I have been directly involved in many master contract negotiations over the years, and question the assertion that "sacrifices" have been made. While I would not want to see anyone lose ground financially, no one group should be "insulated" unless all are. I am not averse to continuing negotiations, but obviously we will need to see how the health care reform laws play out. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I do not have enough information to form a firm opinion on this issue, but would generally be in favor of streamlining any process that is unnecessarily cumbersome. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 369 Creek Road, Wallingford, Vermont, 05773 | Vermont State Representative | No |  | Rutland
2012-08-10 10:21:08 | Senator [NAME] | Agree | Generally I agree and I would like to talk more with you about fair share and new employees. | Agree | I have worked very hard to encourage and educate other Legislators on how important it is to fund the STRS | I'd like to explain my position | Agree. Continued healthcare reform and its future costs and services are critical to all Vermonters. Everyone should be protected. | Agree |  | Agree | I'm not familiar with the complexities of re-licensing, but I do believe it should be straight forward, clear, and simple.. | Senator [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 304 Piette Road | Vermont State Senate | Yes |  | Chittenden
2012-08-09 09:52:03 | [NAME] | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 374 [NAME], [NAME], VT 05450 | Vt House of Representatives | No |  | Franklin
2012-08-02 11:32:17 | [NAME] | Agree | I can understand why this concept might rub some fiercely independent Vermonters the wrong way.  However I appreciate that on the whole, collective bargaining benefits everyone in the unit, and the cost of those services should be shared by all. | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I'm not sure I entirely understand the union's position on this. I am a strong supporter of health care reform, and believe that in order to make health care affordable and accessible for all, some uncomfortable changes may be required. My sense is that most employees, whether unionize or not, have had to sacrifice wage increases in order to maintain health care over the past couple decades- or give up health care altogether. This is another example of where a collective action that will benefit most requires that everyone contribute their fair share. But I do believe that employes should be able to continue negotiating with their employers in relation to health care benefits. | Agree | Absolutely! This approach makes sense regardless of the field, and is a critical investment in education that I'm certain will bring cost-savings and increased effectiveness in return. | Agree | I want teachers engaged in their classrooms and in professional development, not bureaucracy. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | PO Box 4052, St. Johnsbury VT 05819 | VT House, Caledonia-3 | No |  | Caledonia
2012-08-18 21:55:59 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | While I agree that teachers who gain from the negotiation work of the NEA  etc.  I would only support an audited / three year average cost for the local NEA and the state portion of NEA that can be directly attributed to negotiations and support of teachers and support staff at the school level.  I would not support forcing teachers and support staff to join the union and more importantly support lobbying efforts etc.  At this time I see no reason why a school employee should be forced to support the nationan NEA | I'd like to explain my position | While I agree that the state should meet it's commitments and it should be the states first respnsability to do so.  There may be a time when the state would have to choose between commitments made.  I would not vote for any spending on new programs before paying for things committed to like teachers' retirement. | I'd like to explain my position | I have to say I do not know at this time.  What I do know is that I want all Vermonter's to have basic health care and that then people could pay for insurance to get more than the basic health care. What is basic is a huge question.  Will union employees have to give something up in the process?  I don't know.  I hope to learn much more about this. | I'd like to explain my position | I believe we have many highly qualified applicants for every teaching opening.  It is my belief that most young people who we are hiring for full teaching positions are spending one to three years being teacher aids and / or long term substitutes before they are getting hired into full teaching positions. I would like to see college students exxperiencing the class room very early in their education and some serious coaching happening about their chances of being successful in the class room so that students whouldn't be spending hugh somes of money  to become a teacher when they may never even find a job.  This would meant less revenue for colleges though.  Would they do it?   I do believe in the need for mentoring new teachers and strongly support this.  Once schools have invested in hiring a teacher they / we should be investing in them to better insure their success. | I'd like to explain my position | I all for simplifying.  I would like to learn more.  I might be a strong proponent. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 2268 VT Rte 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT   05464 | VT State House Representative for Lamoille District #3 | No |  | Lamoille
2012-07-07 16:26:02 | [NAME] | Agree | All workers need union representation and should pay their fair share of the cost. | Agree | Commitments should always be respected. | Agree | I support single payer health care but it should not produce a windfall for employers. | Agree |  | Agree | I would support a uniform system of licensing between states to make it easier for teachers to move between states. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | 3 Cathedral Square, #6-I, Burlington, VT 05401 | VT State Senate representing Chittenden County | No |  | Chittenden
2012-08-11 09:04:27 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | They should not be required to join the union but since they benefit from the bargaining they should contribute something.  I'd want to see the details. | Agree |  | Agree |  | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | I would agree as long as the quality of the teachers is maintained. | [NAME] | [EMAIL] | [NAME], Brandon, VT | Vt. House | No |  | Rutland
2012-07-03 12:55:13 |  | Agree | This is the best ever | Agree | Yahoo | Agree | You're on a roll | Agree | Couldn't have said it better myself | Agree | Relicensing is a bad word in my opinion
 | [NAME] | Agree |  | I'd like to explain my position | As a state we have continued to underfund the teachers as well as other public employee retirement funds.  We can not continue to punt this issue down the road.  We need to raise more revenue and stop charading that we are actually passing balanced budgets. So long as we underfund retirement funds, then the budget is not balanced. | I'd like to explain my position | I believe in a universal healthcare system.  That means everyone. As you state in your position page, the larger the pool the better the savings. We will all save more money the larger the pool.  As school systems save money through participation in a universal system, that will allow more flexibility for school systems to better compensate teachers in other ways.  I believe that the notion (by some in the general public) that teachers are over compensated will actually decrease as universal healthcare is implemented.  This will allow the focus of negotiations to move to actual fiscal compensation where better increases will be achievable.  While it is a complex time, I think better results can be achieved if we all work together towards this end. | Agree |  | Agree |  | [NAME] |  |  | Chittenden County Senate | No |  | Chittenden
2012-09-07 00:06:47 | [NAME] | I'd like to explain my position | I have read you questionier in depth. I am a school board member.  This whole questionier is about protecting the teacher without requard for anything else. Not once is there one mention of the student. When we can work colaboratively for what is best for the student, when we can put education and student outcomes first you will have ny unconditional support. I am also a certificated teacher. | I'd like to explain my position | read above | I'd like to explain my position | what entitles teachers to better treatment than the rest of employees caught in the transition | I'd like to explain my position | I need futher explination on proven ways  of helping young professionals | Agree |  | [NAME] | Ubok@franklinvt,net | 1909 [NAME] Rd [NAME] | State Rep | No |  | Franklin