Today, Gov. Pat Quinn spoke about the state of the Illinois’ budget. It was a mostly grim presentation; he talked about the need for budget cutting that will mean closing state health care facilities, prisons and reducing the number of state employees. The governor also spoke of the need to make cost-saving changes in the state pension and Medicaid systems.

The only somewhat positive information for public education is that the budget proposal, containing so many cuts to so many programs, maintains funding for K-12 and higher education. In addition, the state will increase early childhood funding by $20 million. The Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides college scholarships for needy students, will also see a funding increase of more than $50 million. The budget is a proposal and still must be approved by the state legislature.

Pensions

IEA leaders have been involved in discussions with leaders from other Illinois public employee unions to try to identify solutions to the pension crisis the governor spoke of today.

The Illinois Labor Pension Coalition has been meeting regularly for months. More recently, the coalition has had conversations with the Governor, legislative leaders and various state legislators, exchanging information and looking at scenarios that might help lead to proposals that can address the Illinois pension problem.

IEA has stated from the beginning that we are open to discussing ideas that will help put the state of Illinois and the state pension systems in better fiscal health. We also have made clear that any proposals that IEA decides to support:

• Must be constitutional;
• Must be fair to our members;
• Must help stabilize the pension systems.

Here are some excerpts from the governor’s speech:

“We must stabilize and strengthen our pension systems to prevent them from swallowing up our core programs in education, health care, and public safety and to ensure that we can pay all our bills.

We need to do pension reform in a way that’s meaningful, constitutional and fair to the employees who have faithfully contributed to the system.

We can do this in a way that does pass constitutional muster. But everything has to be on the table.”

“…Historical funding practices, employer contributions, employee contributions, the retirement age, and the cost of living adjustment.

When it comes to solving our pension challenges, everybody must be in and nobody left out.

It should be noted that only 22 percent of the $5.2 billion pension cost this year is actually for the retirement costs of state employees.

More than three quarters of this pension cost is for non-state employees—from suburban and downstate teachers, to our university and community college employees.

Every unit of government has a stake in this mission. We must repair this broken system. 
 And we must do it now.” 

We are glad the governor reiterated his commitment to a constitutional solution and we applaud his firm position that the problem should not be the sole responsibility of the participants in TRS, SURS and the other state employee pension systems.  Our members have always made their pension payments. It is the state that has failed to meet its obligation to the systems, causing the crisis.

It also is clear from the governor’s remarks, as well as statements from all of the legislative leaders, that currently employed state pension system participants will be expected to play a role in fixing the problem.

IEA leaders and staff are fighting to protect the pension benefits of our members. The goal is to protect the state pension systems, thereby ensuring our members get the benefits for which they have paid. The active participation of IEA members in back home lobbying and other actions will lead to the best possible result for the members.

Please check the IEA website regularly for information about pensions and other key issues of concern.

Each year, the NEA Urban Grants Program opens a competition to local associations with 500 or more members that emphasizes cooperation, collaboration and community.

As many as 25 grants worth up to $5,000 a year are awarded by a committee made up of local association leaders. This year, 33 applications were received and 25 were granted. Four of those were in the Midwest region and two in Illinois.

Those winners were:

• The District Education Association in Palatine to Krissi Griffin, Michelle Garza and Janine Vaughan, the project coordinators and Eydie Cohen, the local president.

With their project, the members of the association and Arlington Heights School District #59 will work together to provide the tools and materials that families need to support their students’ literacy development. The goal is to foster a love of reading, writing and promoting academic success in general.

• Maine Township District 207 West in Des Plaines to Claudia C. Rueda-Alvarez, project coordinator, and Emma Visee, president of the local.

This project will be an effort to improve student achievement among Latino students. It’s hoped it will decrease the dropout rate by motivating and encouraging them to remain in school. The Latino Summit, which has a proven success record, will provide the opportunity for students to meet successful Latino professionals, current Latino college students and college representatives.

School district wants line of credit to make up for late state payments
Springfield State Journal – $28 million from the state on Friday, and we need a line of credit just to cover that day,” Sherman said. Also at Monday’s meeting, the board will hear how much proposed reforms to teacher pensions could cost the district if it’s forced to take over the burden of paying for them. Board members have been told the district could have to cough up as much as $21 million  

Shifting pension burden could costs District 186 $7 million
Springfield State Journal Register – Shifting pension burden could costs District 186 $7 million  -  The Springfield School …7 million in annual payments if the state defers the costs of teacher pensions.  

Knoxville school district says no to federal Race to Top funds
Galesburg Register Mail – fear that the required guidelines would confine teachers to using specific programs not necessarily best for students. The U.S. Department of Education awarded Illinois $42.8 million through its Race to the Top program, which is aimed at improving student scores. Half of the money will be given to the Illinois State Board of Education to fund its programs while half will be given 

Litchfield Board Faces Tough Budget Issues
Hillsboro Journal News – …on the expenses side, including a new teachers contract with the Litchfield Education Association (LEA) next fall.The board will be looking at several retirements this …teacher Lynne Taylor, who was just elected as president of the Litchfield Education Association 

State Supreme Court sides with CPS on teacher layoffs
Chicago Tribune – Illinois’ Supreme Court sided with Chicago Public Schools on Friday in a protracted legal battle with the Chicago teachers Union over the fate of hundreds of teachers laid off in 2010. The state’s high court determined 5-2 that, unlike other school districts throughout Illinois, Chicago’s public school system 

Court: Chicago teachers don’t have rehire rights
Chicago Defender – The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that laid-off tenured teachers in Chicago do not have a right to be rehired later. The 5-2 ruling Friday came after budget cuts in 2010 forced the city to lay off nearly 1,300 teachers. 

100 activists stage sit-in at Chicago school
WAND (NBC) 17 Decatur – As of late Saturday morning, police say about 70 people remained camped outside and 15 others were holed up inside the school. Protesters are demanding a meeting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago school board members. 

Parents occupy Humboldt Park School
CLTV-Chicago – Brian Piccolo has been on academic probation for the past five years but the protesters say a turnaround is not the answer. The protestors say they want to meet with the mayor and school board members to discuss other options. The protesters set up tents Friday evening and say they will occupy the school until either Mayor Emanuel or five members of the school board

Political News 

Analysis: Quinn faces big questions on state budget   Gov. Pat Quinn is about to deliver his fourth and perhaps most anticipated budget proposal. He already has cut spending and raised taxes, yet Illinois remains in dire financial shape, in large part because of ballooning health and pension costs. 

5 questions for Quinn on next budget
Chicago Sun Times – in dire financial shape, in large part because of ballooning health and pension costs. When Quinn delivers his speech Wednesday, he’ll face big questions. … 

Quinn: Cut state budget 9 percent, but spare education, health care, police
Chicago Sun Times – It’s gonna be tough love in the state budget. Sneed has learned Gov. Pat Quinn asked all constitutional officers and a majority of state agencies to cut their budgets by at least 9 percent this year, but has spared education, health care and state police.

Finke: Quinn readies big budget reveal
Peoria Journal Star – …collections the state expects next year will be needed just to pay pension costs. It also says that about; $8 billion in unpaid bills …already know Quinn is flirting with an idea to move some downstate teacher pension costs to local school districts and away from the state.

Quinn Seeks To Invest $50 Million In State Scholarship Program
Chicago WBBM 780 Radio – Quinn Seeks To Invest $50 Million In State Scholarship Program

Quinn: Bring state spending to 2008 levels
WBEZ 91.5 (Chicago) – …pensions and Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block when Illinois governor …by nine percent. And hes suggested Illinois workers, including downstate and suburban teachers and university employees, may have to pay more into their retirement accounts to ease the states massive pension burden.

Illinois school officials concerned about talk of shifting pension costs
Quincy Herald-Whig – Quinn has proposed that pension contributions that have been covered by the state for decades now be passed off to the institutions that employ teachers or other staff covered by state pension systems. “About 22 percent of the state pension payments is for state employees.

Illinois Chamber president gives Quinn C, C+ on jobs
Peoria Journal Star – Illinois Chamber president gives Quinn C, C+ on jobs

Gov. Quinn responds to C grade
WREX (NBC) 13 Rockford – Governor Pat …Quinn was given a C grade on jobs Monday. Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley gave the governor a C grade on his job-creation policies. Whitley then praised Quinn for renewing focus on international trade, but says the …governor has not done enough to curb state spending.

State Senate: Rep, incumbent differ on pension reforms
Chicago Sun-Times – Ramey has taken $31500 from the political action committee of the Illinois Education Association, which has fought pension givebacks that he calls …

State Senate: 22nd District Sen. Mike Noland can’t quite shake …
Chicago Sun-Times – But a reason he remains viable in this race is his newfound backing from the powerful Illinois Education Association, which means union volunteers, …

Quinn not so mighty when it comes to appointments
Springfield State Journal Register – Gov. Pat Quinn has made more than 1,800 mostly – non-controversial appointments since taking office in 2009, but divisive nominations to high-profile posts, including the most senior-level positions in his cabin

Sheila Simon’s office says she’ll cut budget by 9.4%
Rockford Register Star – is considering similar cuts suggested by the governor, his spokesman said. The governor’s office confirmed Saturday that Gov. Pat Quinn has asked the state’s constitutional offices to consider cutting their budgets by at least 9 percent. Quinn is expected to detail his budget plan Wednesday.

Rutherford: State needs to improve closure process
Southern Illinoisan – Illinois should adopt a long-term planning process to determine whether prisons, mental health facilities and other large institutions should be shuttered or improved, says a top Illinois Republican. Just days before Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to announce a slew of more facility closures as part of a budget-cutting proposal,

National News

Is pro-teacher school reform possible in this country?
Chicago Tribune – The White House could use a little help from Aretha Franklin to boost its new education initiative. The $5 billion plan aims to elevate the status of America’s teachers, and is dubbed RESPECT — although inspiring that particular sentiment may be wishful thinking. The name is an acronym for Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

Scott Walker, Targeted For A Recall, Which Heartland Institute Aims To Fight, Documents Show
City Best Chicago – Recently leaked documents show that a Chicago-based conservative think tank plans to spend money on an issue-advocacy campaign timed to influence a potential recall election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, which could happen as early as April. The proposed campaign highlights the invisible hand that nonprofits, shielded from disclosure laws, can wield in electoral politics.

Do unions have too much power?   While there is more than enough blame to go around, one of the factors that must be considered is our nation’s unions. In the national interest, here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes: Do unions have too much power? From my perspective, the answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.” If you are a member of a union and, over time, your union leaders have been able to negotiate you a higher salary, fringe benefits and a better work environment, the answer is “no.”

Guest Column: Quality education more than adopting latest gimmick
Rockford Register Star –  but only if the ideas are researched and planned by teachers first. Depth of programming and a blind faith in technology often backfire on schools if they are introduced by school boards and administrations that press to upgrade first and ask questions later. I think W. Edwards Deming, journalist and former Marine, said it best, “Quality is never an accident;   

TIME.com’s Top Stories

Vatican Confidential: Why Are So Many Rumors Coming out of the Holy See?

Even as Pope Benedict XVI prepares to elevate more than a score of prelates into the College of Cardinals, the church’s bureaucracy seems to be in disarray

FBI Arrests Terror Suspect, Says Man Was Targeting U.S. Capitol

A 29-year-old Moroccan man was arrested Friday in an FBI sting operation near the U.S. Capitol while planning to detonate what police said he thought were live explosives

The Misplaced Criticism of Rick Santorum’s Tax Returns

Santorum is the third of the four remaining Republican presidential candidates to unveil a peek into his family’s finances

Under the Cowboy Hat: Foster Friess, Santorum’s Controversial Benefactor

For the past several weeks, few people have been enjoying the Republican presidential campaign quite as much as Foster Friess.

The Mess in Angela Merkel’s Own Backyard: Who Will Be Her Third President?

The ceremonial post of President of Germany has been tainted by allegations of financial impropriety. Now, the Chancellor has to find yet another person to fill the job

TIME’s Best Pictures of the Week, February 10–17

From freezing conditions across Europe to New York City’s Westminster Dog Show, TIME’s photo department presents the most compelling images of the week.

Nigeria’s Abandoned Youth: Are They Potential Recruits for Militants?

There are millions of boys sent off to ramshackle Islamic schools by impoverished parents. Now, the government is worried that Boko Haram may have them in its sights

Are We Already Planting the Seeds of the Next Financial Crisis?

The wreckage of the housing bubble and the banking crisis haven’t yet been cleared away completely, but already there are hints of renewed speculation

Media’s Gender Gap: Where My Girls At?

The representation of women in U.S. newsrooms is weak.

In Turns Poignant and Rousing, Friends Celebrate Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s beloved family and friends have descended on her hometown of Newark, N.J. for the pop singer’s private funeral.

The Michigan GOP Primary: Where All Politics Is National

The nationalization of our politics was one of the major stories of the 2010 midterms, when political experience became a liability and races boiled down to which candidate could claim the outsider’s mantle. So it is again this year

A Salute to John Glenn — 50 Years Later

Why a very short space flight still matters today

Storm Clouds over News Corp., but Murdoch Declares the Sun Will Shine Every Day

The World’s Largest University Struggles to Educate Millions of New Students

In less than 10 years, the number of college goers in India is expected to increase to 40 million. Can the nation’s universities keep up with the demand for a more educated workforce?

A Hunger Striker at Death’s Door Turns Up the Heat on Israel — and on the Palestinian Leadership

“The West Bank’s Bobby Sands” is how some in the British media have begun referring to Khader Adnan, as the 33-year-old Palestinian detainee marks Monday as his 65th day of refusing food from his Israeli gaolers

Santorum’s Big Bet: Will Tough Talk on Social Issues Propel Him Into the Lead?

To position himself as a credible threat to Barack Obama, Santorum had use the spotlight afforded by his three-state sweep on two weeks ago to demonstrate the breadth of his appeal

Take Two: Can a Second Bailout Actually Save Greece?

Tough-Talking McCain Has Soothing Words on Egypt’s NGO Crackdown

U.S. Senator seeks to calm rising tensions over the fate of 16 Americans facing trial in Cairo for their democracy-promotion efforts

Jerry Brown’s Risky Crusade: How to Raise Taxes in California

In a campaign that may influence the policies of other states (and even the federal government), the three-time governor is heading down a hazardous political path

LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman: How to Build Your Career in a Network Economy

The Washington Post

Gingrich archives show his public praise, private criticism of Reagan

In an unnoticed 1992 speech, Newt Gingrich in a single utterance took aim not only at a beloved conservative icon but also at a core tenet of the conservative movement: that government must be limited.

Read full article >>
(Jerry Markon)

GOP presidential candidates bring Founding Fathers back into political spotlight

The Republican presidential campaign is breathing new life into the Founding Fathers.

Read full article >>
(Steven Mufson)

Returning military members allege job discrimination — by federal government

Every year, more than a thousand National Guard, reserve and active-duty troops coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan or other military duties complain of being denied jobs or otherwise being penalized by employers because of their military obligations.

Read full article >>
(Steve Vogel)

Editorial Board: Las Vegas on the Potomac

THE PROPOSAL to build a $1 billion casino barely a mile south of the District in Prince George’s County — a project tantamount to Las Vegas on the Potomac — is a grandiose grab for easy money. It is the latest symptom of gaming fever gone wild in Maryland, which, having trumpeted the supposed benefits of slot machine parlors only to discover they were badly hyped, is now flirting with the idea of doubling down with a headlong rush into the casino business. It shouldn’t.

Read full article >>
(Editorial Board)

European leaders meet Monday on Greece bailout; public tiring of austerity measures

ATHENS — European leaders gather Monday to decide whether to give Greece a bailout to save it from bankruptcy, but they face a growing problem: a fed-up Greek public that is questioning the strings attached to the aid.

Read full article >>
(Michael Birnbaum)

Word of the Day for Tuesday, February 21, 2012

bespeak \bih-SPEEK\, verb:

1. To show; indicate.
2. To ask for in advance.
3. To reserve beforehand; engage in advance; make arrangements for.
4. Literary. To speak to; address.
5. Obsolete. To foretell; forebode.

Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605

March 15 – March 17, 2012

Guestroom rates:

$179.00 – Single occupancy (1 bathroom)
$189.00 – Double occupancy (1 bathroom)
$214.00 – Triple occupancy (1 bathroom)
$239.00 – Quad occupancy (1 bathroom)

Additional packages and promotions are available at an additional cost.  The above rates do not include any applicable taxes –16.4% beginning in January.

Guestroom internet access will be complimentary for all attendees.

Reservations

Reservation cutoff date is Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Online: Make your online reservations

Phone: 1-877-865-5320
Identify that you are with the Illinois Education Association

Group Name:  Illinois Education Association
Group Code:  NEA
Check-in: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Check-out: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Hotel Name: Hilton Chicago
Hotel Address:  720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Phone Number: 312-663-6514 (For post-reservation issues)

Delegates must provide a first night’s deposit, refundable up to 72 hours in advance of the arrival date.  Checks and major credit cards are acceptable to establish deposit prepayment.  All credit cards used to prepay will be charged immediately.

Restaurants:

Hilton Chicago area restaurants - download this list of restaurants that are in a close vicinity to the Hilton.

Parking/Transportation:

Self parking at the Hilton is $29.00 per day (this rate does not apply to Valet Parking).

Don’t want to hassle with driving or parking?  Take Metra (commuter rail)

Amtrak offers a 10% “IEA convention” discount off the best available rail fare to (Chicago, IL) between (March 11, 2012 – March 21, 2012).  To book your reservation call Amtrak at 1 (800) 872-7245 or contact your local travel agent.

Convention discounts cannot be booked via Internet.  Please be sure to refer to Convention Fare Code X61I-938 when making your reservation.  This offer is not valid on the Auto Train and Acela Service.  Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional for all departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts.  Offer valid with Sleepers, Business Class or First Class seats with payment of the full applicable accommodation charges

Rockford teachers vote to authorize negations team to declare impasse
WREX (NBC) 13 Rockford – Rockford teachers vote overwhelmingly to authorize their negotiating team to declare an impasse in negotiations with District 205′s School Board. It was about a 10 to 1 margin.

Rockford teachers give bargaining team authority to declare impasse
Rockford Register Star – ROCKFORD — The Rockford Education Association is one step closer to a strike after voting 1,013 to 30 Thursday to give the union’s bargaining team the authority to declare an impasse, if negotiations with the Rockford

Something to build on  Three Southern Illinois school districts who will receive their share of $623 million in capital construction funds announced by Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday reacted with surprise and excitement after years of waiting.

Harvard and Rochelle to receive funds to improve schools
WREX (NBC) 13 Rockford – Schools statewide will receive over $600 million in funding to repair, update, and build schools. Harvard and Rochelle will be among the 31 districts in Illinois

RI-Milan schools face $4.6M in budget cuts
Quad City Times – “It looks like a scary list, but it’s just the start of a discussion,” said Bob Smith, history teacher at Rock Island High School and president of the Rock Island Education Association. “I would be stunned if some of those things came to pass.” The cuts aren’t necessary because the district is overspending, the s

Police: Fired teacher was subject of complaints
SouthtownStar – A longtime teacher in Cook County School District 130, who was fired in December, allegedly touched two female students in an “inappropriate manner” but not sexually, according to police reports obtained by the SouthtownStar.  Blue Island police considered both cases “battery of an insulting nature” and not sexual in nature, Police Chief Doug Hoglund said. The parents of each girl declined to press charges, Hoglund said.

Western looking to “Race to the Top” with federal funds
Quincy Herald-Whig – Board members Wednesday agreed to submit a letter of intent, if district teachers are willing, to participate in the program which brings $42.8 million in federal funding to Illinois. The Western Education Association has indicated its preliminary support, but “they did want to have a time to talk and ask questions about it,” Superintendent Carol Frericks said.

Our View: Arts education should be available for all students  Rockford Register Star – A report by the Arts Education Partnership found that schoolchildren who are involved in drama, music and dance do better in reading, writing and math than those who focus only on those academic disciplines. 

Quincy School board talks budget cuts for upcoming year.  KHQA (CBS) 7 Quincy – The Quincy school board plans to reveal more next week about what has to be chopped from the budget in the coming year. According to the Quincy Journal, the Board will present details

 ISU considers in-state rates for some out-of-staters  NORMAL — Illinois State University is considering changing a longstanding policy and offering in-state tuition rates to some out-of-state students. 

Chicago teachers asking for 30% raises over next 2 years
Moline WQAD (ABC) 8 – The Chicago teachers Union is asking for raises amounting to 30 percent over the next two years, the opening salvo in heated contract negotiations with school officials who are implementing a longer school day

Teacher sues CPS after suspension for slur during ‘teachable moment’  Chicago Sun-Times – He is suing Mason, CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard and the Board of Education, saying his first and fifth amendment rights were violated after he attempted “to

CTU’s New Tack: Here’s How We’d Improve Schools
Chicago News Cooperative – The Chicago teachers Union unveiled its blueprint for improving public schools Thursday–calling for smaller elementary class sizes and more art and computer offerings–in an apparent effort to broaden

Political News

Reed: Is Illinois finally ready to act on pension crisis?  SouthtownStar – Pat Quinn says he’s now raring to go. Recently, Quinn forged a bipartisan working group of lawmakers and others to embark on a comprehensive examination of 

Quinn announces $623 million in school construction funding  HAZEL CREST — More than two dozen Illinois school districts will get around $623 million in capital funds to update and repair schools. Gov. Pat Quinn announced the money Thursday at an elementary school in Hazel Crest, a suburb south of Chicago. 

Quinn’s budget plan to include more state facility closures  HAZEL CREST — Gov. Pat Quinn says he’ll propose closing “quite a few” state facilities in his budget address next week. The Democrat told The Associated Press Thursday that the closures are necessary for a better budget. He declined to give any specifics on the closures, saying details would come during his budget address Wednesday.   

Critics: New IL Ag chief got post by voting for tax hikes
Chester Sun Times – Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is once again fighting off charges from critics that he is rewarding a supporter of last year’s income tax increase with a cushy state government job. Quinn on Wednesday named Bob Flider 

All these Quinncidences
Chicago Tribune – Our hearts go out to the Quinn spokespeople who have no choice but to keep saying that the tax vote had nothing to do with the governor’s appointments, and that all these Democrats are uniquely qualified to again be public payrollers. You’re supposed to think these are just Quinncidences.  

It’s true, Illinois a political cesspool  SouthtownStar – Given that our last two governors before Pat Quinn — George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich — were convicted on federal corruption charges, it was almost a “no duh …   

No surprise Illinois near top of corruption list  Bloomington Pantagraph – Pat Quinn’s income tax hike, has been appointed to a well-paying state job. … Bob Flider of Mount Zion, who is Quinn’s choice for head of the Illinois …   

Quinn to meet Chinese vice president  WJBC News – Pat Quinn will be among the officials meeting with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping Friday in California. Quinn’s spokeswoman, Brooke Anderson, …

National News

National Education Association calls for supporting campaign ‘truth teams’
MLive.com –  The National Education Association announced it will support efforts to “ensure that politicians make true and accurate statements about President Obama’s record and the records of former Mass. Gov.

Wis. Republicans refuse to take up voucher limits
WREX (NBC) 13 Rockford – have refused to take up a bill that would limit Wisconsin’s divisive school voucher program after Democrats tried to force a vote. The voucher program subsidizes private education for students in struggling districts. Republicans included language in the state budget that created new criteria for joining the program, enabling districts in Milwaukee County and Racine

Today’s Top Stories

Talks with the Taliban Are Inevitable, But Who Will Be at the Table?

The U.S. has said that within two years it will end its already decade-long military entanglement in Afghanistan’s civil war, and the Taliban is anything but defeated

The Internet’s Laptop-Shooting Dad: What the Latest Parenting Research Says

Tommy Jordan shows our willingness to excoriate teens for bad behavior while absolving ourselves of parental responsibility for it

Did America Bond with China’s Heir Apparent, Vice President Xi Jinping?

Why Working on Wall Street Is Bad for Your Health

According to a new study, there’s an emotional and physical price to be paid for working too much, living at the office and being obsessed with making money

Three Pieces of Advice Mitt Romney Shouldn’t Take

Here are three things in particular that Romney should not do if he wants to salvage his listing candidacy

The Washington Post
Fearing infiltration, Afghan army gives soldiers with ties to Pakistan an ultimatum

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — In an effort to rid their army of Taliban infiltrators, Afghan officials have begun ordering soldiers with families in Pakistan to either move their relatives to Afghanistan or leave the military.

Read full article >>
(Kevin Sieff)

Lawmakers debate mandated coverage of contraceptives in health-care law

Tempers flared on Capitol Hill on Thursday as lawmakers waded into an increasingly heated debate over the mandated coverage of contraceptives under the nation’s new health-care law.

Read full article >>
(Sarah Kliff)

In Mormon files, researcher Helen Radkey seeks to cause a headache for Romney

SALT LAKE CITY — Mitt Romney has major headaches named Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich. This month, he also had Helen Radkey.

Read full article >>
(Jason Horowitz)

Holocaust Museum in negotiations to maintain loaned exhibitions

In the late 1980s, when organizers of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum were searching for Nazi-era artifacts, they sought to tell a story that was industrial in its magnitude and horrifying in its detail. The results, a widely acclaimed permanent exhibition that broke new ground in museum design, may be in jeopardy as the museum deals with demands to return one of its most powerful and haunting objects.

Read full article >>
(Philip Kennicott)

Editorial Board: Motel owner faces asset forfeiture despite innocence

THE MOTEL CASWELL, a modest motel just outside of Boston, has been owned by proprietor Russell H. Caswell’s family for 60 years. Now he may lose it, if the Justice Department gets its way.

Read full article >>
(Editorial Board)

Word of the Day for Friday, February 17, 2012

tramontane \truh-MON-teyn\, adjective:

1. Being or situated beyond the mountains.
2. Beyond the Alps as viewed from Italy; transalpine.
3. Of, pertaining to, or coming from the other side of the mountains.
4. Foreign; barbarous.

noun:
1. A person who lives beyond the mountains: formerly applied by the Italians to the peoples beyond the Alps, and by the latter to the Italians.
2. A foreigner; outlander; barbarian.
3. A violent, polar wind from the northwest that blows in southern France.

Rockford School Board Rejects Offer from Teachers’ Union   WIFR – The Rockford School District has rejected the latest offer from its faculty members. The REA had submitted a proposal for a two year contract last week that would have been retroactive to July 2011, but district leaders say … 

Rockford teachers union sets member meeting, negotiation dates   Rockford Register Star – The Rockford Education Association is the local professional union representing teachers, certified nurses, psychologists, social workers and other faculty in the Rockford School District. It is affiliated with the Illinois Education Association and … 

School district rejects offer from teachers’ union, encourages union to return …   The Rock River Times – Editor’s note: Rockford Public School District 205 issued the following press release Feb. 15 regarding its ongoing contract negotiations with the local teachers’ union, the Rockford Education Association. Today, the Rockford School District announced … 

District rejects latest contract offer from Rockford teachers   WREX-TV – Rockford School District 205 turns down the Rockford Education Association’s latest proposal for a new two-year contract. The deal was presented to district officials by the REA during a five-hour negotiation meeting late last … 

Rockford School District rejects contract offer from Rockford Education …   Rockford Register Star – The Rockford School District has announced its rejection of the Rockford Education Association’s Feb. 9 proposal for a two-year contract for teachers’ salary and benefits. Because the contract was retroactive to last July, … 

Rockford School Board: Keep negotiating with REA   Rockford Register Star (blog) – The mission of the Rockford public schools is to serve the community by ensuring all of its diverse students develop the capabilities to contribute to society, succeed in the global economy, and learn throughout their lives by creating … 

Trades rally for Rockford School District building referendum  Rockford Register – About 1300 new jobs for local construction and trades workers could be available in the coming … 

District 109 union: Teacher’s struggles exemplify problems
PioneerLocal.com – When asked about Horwitz, Superintendent Renee Goier said she couldn’t comment on specific personnel, because of confidentiality requirements. Mark Stein, UniServ director for the Illinois Education Association, stressed that while Horwitz’s treatment is not an issue in the ongoing teachers’ contract negotiations, the union believes it exemplifies what is happening to special

Dist. 145 moves ahead with Race to the Top
Freeport Journal Standard –  The school board’s action Tuesday night was an approval of the district’s intent to apply for funding. In order to submit a letter of intent, the district and the Freeport Education Association had to agree to start implementing the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA). This involves setting up new standards for evaluating principals and teachers,

Litchfield Board Faces Tough Budget Issues
Hillsboro Journal News – However, Allison said there are many unknowns on the expenses side, including a new teachers’ contract with the Litchfield Education Association (LEA) next fall.The board will be looking at several retirements this spring, as well as class sizes and program cuts to find a way to make ends meet.”

Local schools get building money  Three Southern Illinois school districts will receive a total of more than $100 million in state funds for new construction and renovation of schools, a source in Gov. Pat Quinn’s office confirmed Wednesday.

Durkin: State must consider guaranteeing College Illinois contracts  Crain’s Chicago Business – Gov. Pat Quinn subsequently replaced the ISAC board, and the new commissioners are close to hiring a new executive director.

CPS on pile of unused days: Can’t take them with you   Chicago Sun-Times – Principals and other non-union Chicago Public School employees would only be able to cash out a maximum 30 days of unused vacation days upon retirement — less than half …

CPS looking to tighten vacation policy as well   Chicago Tribune – A day after Chicago Public Schools officials announced plans to revise a sick day policy that’s allowed employees to accumulate sick days over multiple years, district administrators said they want to reduce the number of vacation days that can be

Political News

Quinn outlines priorities for pension reform
Springfield Illinois Times – Gov. Pat Quinn outlined a plan last week to reform the state’s troubled pension systems. In doing so, Quinn appeared to outright reject some pension ideas offered up by House Republican Leader Tom Cross and Senate President John Cullerton.

Dillard: School pension plan a realistic threat
Arlington Heights Daily Herald – Anyone who thinks Illinois would never shift billions of dollars in teacher retirement costs onto local school districts had better think again, state Sen. Kirk Dillard warns. “The Democrats clearly control both chambers of the legislature,” Dillard said. “When (House) Speaker (Michael) Madigan puts his mind to something, it would not be wise to bet your mortgage against him. There is a realistic threat that this may happen.”

Kadner: Cullerton defends state teacher pension shift idea  SouthtownStar – Pat Quinn and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. “First, the current system is unfair to Chicago,” said Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat. 

Reinstate 1970 pension rules for state teachers
Dixon Telegraph – “Membership in any pension or retirement system of the state, any unit of local government or school district, or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall be an enforceable contractual relationship, the benefits of which shall not be diminished or impaired.” – Article VIII, Section 5 of the Illinois Constitution (adopted Dec. 15, 1970)  

Quinn says he will propose closing “quite a few” state facilities The Capitol Fax Blog (blog) – Gov. Pat Quinn told WBEZ’s Steve Edwards yesterday that he will propose closing “quite a few” state facilities in his upcoming budget address, 

Editorial: Quinn makes right call on ethics reform   Jacksonville Journal Courier – Pat Quinn has been a punching bag on this page, and when it comes to such things as the inability to control tax-and-spend abuses it’s likely the role will … 

It’s official: Chicago is nation’s corruption capital  Chicago Sun-Times – Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, but said “far more has to be done,” urging Emanuel’s ethic task force to make six changes to how city government operates 

Blagojevich hopes to enter prison with ‘dignity’
Dixon Telegraph – The normally media-loving Rod Blagojevich hopes to enter the gates of whatever prison he’ll report to next month – most likely one in Colorado – without running a gauntlet of reporters, the former Illinois governor’s lawyer said Wednesday. Blagojevich, 55, asked last year if he could begin serving his 14-year sentence for corruption near Denver,  

National News   

Obama seeks $5 billion to transform teaching  Chicago Tribune – (Reuters) – US Education Secretary Arne Duncan delivered a scathing critique of teacher training … “Many of our schools of education are mediocre at best.

Student sues school district over strip search
Belleville News-Democrat – A Georgia middle school student claimed in a lawsuit Wednesday he was humiliated and traumatized when he was brought to a vice principal’s office and forced to strip in front of classmates who said he had marijuana.

In wasting children, a richer India sees “national shame”  Poor hygiene, low public health spending and little education and awareness have not helped. Age-old customs discriminating against women such as child …

Today’s Top Stories

The Syrian Civil War: Photographs by Alessio Romenzi

As a Star Reaches the End of Its Life, the Countdown to a Supernova Begins

7,500 light years away, the unstable star Eta Carinae appears set to blow. It could happen today — or in a thousand years

What Happens If Greece Doesn’t Get a Bailout?

A debate is now raging among euro-zone countries over whether or not a second bailout makes any sense at all

Santorum’s Surge, Part II: The Sweater Vest Strikes Back

Of all the candidates jockeying to be the conservative alternative to Mitt Romney, Santorum has perhaps the best set of credentials for a Republican primary

Finally, Some Good News for Home Buyers

The Washington Post
Obama, GOP candidates more hopeful about factory jobs

For years, politicians have delivered the same grim message to the nation’s long-suffering manufacturing heartland: Many of the jobs are gone, shipped overseas, never to be seen again.

Read full article >>
(Michael A. Fletcher, David Nakamura)

Congressional negotiators reach deal on $150 billion economic plan

In a pact early Thursday morning, congressional negotiators gave final approval to an economic plan worth more than $150 billion that would extend a payroll tax holiday and unemployment benefits.

Read full article >>
(Paul Kane)

Defense expert says Love probably smothered in her pillow

CHARLOTTESVILLE — Yeardley Love probably smothered in her own pillow, after “she was thrown facedown” into it, according to an expert called by the defense team for George Huguely V.

Read full article >>
(Mary Pat Flaherty, Jenna Johnson)

Editorial Board: Talking to China about religious freedom

PRESIDENT OBAMA and Vice President Biden took care to mention human rights during their meetings on Tuesday with China’s incoming leader, Xi Jinping. The president devoted one vaguely worded sentence to the subject during his greeting of Mr. Xi at the Oval Office; Mr. Biden stretched that to three during a toast at the State Department, in which he observed that “conditions in China have deteriorated.” Mr. Xi, who has appeared to have adopted the script of his predecessor, Hu Jintao, during a tightly controlled tour, offered the standard reply that China had made great progress in human rights but that there was “always room for improvement.”

Read full article >>
(Editorial Board)

Word of the Day for Thursday, February 16, 2012

mammonism \MAM-uh-niz-uhm\, noun:

The greedy pursuit of riches.

District 109 union: Teacher’s struggles exemplify problems
Deerfield Review – Mark Stein, UniServ director for the Illinois Education Association, stressed that while Horwitz’s treatment is not an issue in the ongoing teachers’ … 

Rockford district agrees to rehire 18 teachers in settlement with union
Rockford Register Star –  The Rockford School Board rehired three teachers tonight after a labor settlement with the Rockford Education Association. More teacher hires could be on the way, either for the current school year or the 2012-13 year. The district and REA reached an out-of-court settlement in January to rehire 

Rockford School Board May Discuss Contract Offer from Teachers’ Union
WIFR (CBS) 23 Rockford – The Rockford School Board could be discussing the latest contract offer from its teachers’ union tonight. Last Thursday the Rockford Education Association gave the district a new proposal–that’s when administrators cancelled yesterday and today’s bargaining sessions so they could present it to the school board. We’re told the board 

Rockford superintendent: District to set meetings with teachers union
Rockford Register Star – Read Cathy Bayer’s tweets from the meeting. ROCKFORD — The Rockford School Board planned to take no action tonight in ongoing contract negotiations with the Rockford Education Association and instead to reach out to the REA on Wednesday to schedule additional bargaining sessions. The School Board returned to closed session after its regular board meeting to  

Teacher hires, contract negotiations on tap for District 205
Rockford Register Star – The Rockford School Board will hear an update on contract negotiations in closed session of their meeting tonight after negotiations with the Rockford Education Association fell apart last week. They board could also rehire some teachers dismissed from the district in March 2010, following a settlement with the REA. The School Board meets at 7 

Police probe missing school funds  CARTERVILLE – City police are investigating the case of a fired school official who reportedly received about $114,000 in Carterville Unit 5 school funds greater than the amount approved. Assistant Police Chief John Frost said Tuesday there was a limited amount he could say, but Frost did confirm police are investigating. 

Oak Brook parents back School Board in contract tiff
Oak Brook Doings – Oak Brook parents and taxpayers voiced their support Monday night for the District 53 Board of Education in its ongoing negotiations with the teachers union. Board President Alan Hanzlik said Oak Brook Education Association President Andrew Griffith was invited to make a presentation to parents, but neither Griffith nor any Butler 53 teacher was in attendance Monday night. “I’m disappointed frankly

Oak Brook teachers tell their side of contract dispute
Oak Brook Doings – In the contract impasse between Butler District 53 and the Oak Brook Education Association, the following information is being distributed by the teachers union: History The Oak Brook Education Association has been engaged in contract negotiations with the Butler  

School district budget narrows gap, but $5 million deficit still looms
Decatur Herald and Review – Transportation costs are being reimbursed at 74 percent, and special education facilities at a little more than 87 percent. Worse, the state is threatening to require the district to pay for the teachers Retirement System, which could put an unsupportable burden on already tight budgets. “I’m scared of how much that would cost that we don’t have and couldn’t have unless we went to the tax

Campus Labor Coalition not sweet on University’s negotiating practices
Daily Illini – The Graduate Employees’ Organization, the Illinois Education Association, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Association of Academic … 

Faculty Senate discusses performance-based funding   CARBONDALE – Performance-based funding was one of the discussions at the SIU Faculty 

Charter discipline policy under fire
Noble Street Charter School Network netted almost $387,000 over the last three years from fines imposed on students for minor discipline infractions. A legal challenge could be filed by a civil rights group.

Councils file lawsuit against closings, turnarounds
A coalition of local school council members filed a lawsuit to stop CPS from moving forward with school closings and turnarounds, claiming that CPS broke the law by putting school on probation without giving them specific steps to improve.

Turnaround study shows only small gains
A Consortium on Chicago School Research report found modest gains for schools that underwent various types of interventions.

Political News

PAC sues over state’s campaign finance law   Chicago Tribune – An abortion rights group that funneled more than $400000 to help elect Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday seeking to strike down a portion of a new Illinois campaign finance law that limits how much donors can give to political … 

Abortion rights group sues over Illinois campaign finance limits  Chicago Tribune – An abortion rights group filed a federal lawsuit today seeking to strike down a portion of the state’s campaign finance law that limits how much donors can give to political action committees. Personal PAC argues that the limits are unconstitutional

Lawsuit filed over Illinois campaign finance law  WJBC News – A lawsuit has been filed over Illinois’ campaign finance laws. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) CHICAGO – An Illinois interest group is suing to invalidate part of the state’s campaign finance law. Personal PAC, an abortion rights group that … 

Abortion-rights group sues to overturn post-Blago Illinois campaign limits   Crain’s Chicago Business (blog) – One of Illinois’ leading pro-choice groups sued today to dismember key portions of the state’s limits on campaign donations, saying they violate the free-speech rights of abortion-rights activists. Personal PAC and two of its supporters asked the US …   

Our Opinion: Take direct route to reform ethics laws   The State Journal-Register – Gov. Pat Quinn marked the birthday of Abraham Lincoln by throwing his support behind an amendment to the state constitution named for the 16th president. The “Lincoln Amendment,” to be introduced in the General Assembly by state Sen.

Citizens deserve power to enact ethics reforms   Bloomington Pantagraph – Consider this the classic Catch-22: To get meaningful reforms, Illinoisans should be able to bypass the Legislature to enact ethics measures. But before voters can get that power, the Legislature has to approve placing the proposed amendment on the … 

Governor Seeks Power for the People   Courthouse News Service – Gov. Pat Quinn wants to give the public the power to enact ethics reforms without going through the Legislature, through a constitutional change he calls the “Lincoln Amendment.” Quinn’s amendment would let …

Ethics reform available now   Belleville News Democrat – Gov. Pat Quinn reached back to his popular populist roots this week with his call for a “Lincoln Amendment” — a referendum on whether to let voters enact ethics reforms. The call came on — you guessed it — Lincoln’s birthday.

Quinn: Not sure of his support for gay marriage  WJBC News – Pat Quinn said he would have to do more study to determine if he would support a measure to give same sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.

City advances plan to target sellers of hallucinogenic bath salts  Chicago Sun-Times – Pat Quinn signed a law last year making possession of certain ingredients in bath salts a felony, and the law was expanded when drugmakers came up with new

State could divert tax refunds of city debtors  Chicago Tribune – Pat Quinn signed the law, backed by Republican Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, in December. It allows cities, villages, towns and schools to forge agreements …  

National News   

Duncan Champions New Teacher Quality Fund  Education Week News (blog) – Dennis Van Roekel, the president of the National Education Association, is pretty jazzed about the fund, particularly its focus on ensuring that teachers’ …

Obama Administration Seeks $5 Billion Teacher Quality Fund  International Business Times – But Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union, told The Wall Street Journal he was cautiously …

TIME.com Today’s Top Stories

With Syria’s Rebels: A Visit to a Bombmaker’s Factory

As the war with the regime’s better-armed military gets hotter, the insurgents are taking to guerrilla methods tried out in other recent wars

Why Obama’s Re-Election Fortunes Are Looking Up

President Obama’s performance in head-to-head matchups with his Republican competitors, especially Mitt Romney, have dramatically improved in recent weeks

Linsanity Heads East, Linfects China and Taiwan

Less than a week after leading the Knicks to a five-game winning streak, Jeremy Lin is the most searched item on Baidu, a leading Chinese search engine

The 50 Best iPhone Apps of 2012

Whether you’re looking to load up a new iPhone or simply expand your collection, here’s our 2012 list of download-deserving apps

Are China’s Big State Companies a Big Problem for the Global Economy?

The Washington Post
Chinese blocked visit by U.S. religious freedom envoy, advocates say

Chinese officials denied a visa to a top State Department envoy and refused to meet with her to discuss issues of religious freedom days before this week’s high-profile visit to Washington by China’s vice president, according to rights advocates and others.

Read full article >>
(William Wan, Michelle Boorstein)

Congressional negotiators reach tentative deal on payroll tax, unemployment benefits

Congressional negotiators reached a tentative deal Tuesday to extend a payroll tax holiday, unemployment benefits and Medicare payment rates for doctors, while finding more than $50 billion in cuts to reduce the effect on the federal deficit.

Read full article >>
(Paul Kane, David Nakamura)

Banks aren’t liable for auto industry woes

WALL STREET IS recovering from the Great Recession, but the U.S. financial sector might not exist at all if Congress had not enacted a $700 billion bailout, the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), on Oct. 3, 2008. In President Obama’s view, the financial industry owes the American taxpayer not only a debt of gratitude — but a debt, period. His fiscal 2013 budget proposal includes a plan to charge large banks $61 billion over the next decade, to recoup the expected net cost of the TARP program.

Read full article >>
(Editorial Board)

Mitt Romney faces major test in Michigan primary, once thought an easy win

DETROIT — Once thought to be an easy win for native son Mitt Romney, the Michigan primary has instead turned into one of the stiffest tests for the Republican presidential front-runner — and an unexpected opportunity for the surging campaign of Rick Santorum.

Read full article >>
(Rosalind S. Helderman)

Nancy Brinker: The steely force in the Susan G. Komen foundation

The benefactor who gave the Susan G. Komen Foundation one of its first six-figure infusions in the 1980s remembers when she met Nancy Brinker, the organization’s founder. It was 30-plus years ago at a Dallas society ball. As Ruth Altshuler recalls, the British aristocrat Lord Mountbatten “was all but stopped blind” when he saw Brinker floating across the room. He turned to Altshuler and asked, “ ‘Who is that?’ because she was so beautiful” and charming.

Read full article >>
(Monica Hesse)

Word of the Day for Wednesday, February 15, 2012

vilipend \vil-UH-pend\, verb:

1. To regard or treat as of little value or account.
2. To vilify; depreciate.

We invite all of you to come, learn, and enjoy the 15th annual conference, Friday, April 27 - Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Doubletree Oak Brook.

Newly and nearly-retired members are especially encouraged to attend this conference to discover how informative and enjoyable the IEA Retired Conference is.

View the agenda | Register now!

When:
Friday, April 27, 2012 11:30 AM – Saturday, April 28, 2012 3:15 PM

Where:
Doubletree Oak Brook
1909 Spring Rd.
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Fees:
Conference Registration $25.00

Registration:

• Register for the IEA Retired Conference

Questions?

This change would return the regulations to original language that ensures students receive a full and comprehensive assessment by a highly qualified, certified school nurse who has had educational preparation to conduct this assessment. We all want to ensure that our students are evaluated by appropriately credentialed individuals.

Here is a fact sheet on the issue.

How can you help support this? Between Feb. 10 and March 26,there are two ways to send your comments supporting the changes that a full and comprehensive assessment will be done by a highly qualified, educated and certified school nurse.

1.  You can send an e-mail of support for the proposed changes to 23 Illinois Administrative Code 226.840 to the Illinois State Board of Education.
2. You can write to: Shelly Helton, Agency Rules Coordinator, Illinois State Board of Education, S-493, 100 North First Street, Springfield, Il 62777-0001. Here is a sample letter, if you’d like to use it.

IEA’s Director of Government Relations has the latest on the 2012 Illinois General Assembly, who will likely tackle public pensions during the next few months. Jim Reed is urging IEA members to lobby lawmakers in their home districts via the IEA’s Back Home Lobby Days initiative.

The key dates lawmakers should be available in their home districts include: Feb. 13-17, March 12-16, April 2-6 and 9-13.

Click here for more information on Back Home Lobbying.

Order your 2012 scholarship shirt for the RA

Please help fund IEA scholarships with the purchase of a 2012 scholarship shirt. Choose from a T-shirt, polo, crew neck sweatshirt or hoodie. Download the order form here.

Half of the profits from your purchase will support a scholarship offered by Region 1. The other half of the profits will go to support the IEA-NEA Education Grant program.

Those attending the RA, please wear your shirt on Saturday at the IEA RA to show your support of public education.

Those not attending the RA, please check with your region chair to see if they would be willing to bring your shirt to you.

NBPTS candidate fee subsidy opens Feb. 15

The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University has announced the window for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards candidate fee subsidy will open Feb. 15, for 500 first time candidates. Click here for more information on the ISU website.

Let your imagination soar with The Lorax and Read Across America

NEA’s Read Across America campaign will showcase the Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal’s The Lorax (featuring the voices of Taylor Swift, Zach Efron, Danny Devito and Betty White). The film opens nationwide March 2, and Universal, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House have joined NEA’s Read Across America, creating new posters and classroom guides for the campaign.

Let us be part of your plans by contacting IEA Listens. It’s not too early to begin the Seussational celebration!

NEA Member Benefits has a $50 offer for you
Save money and earn cash rewards on all purchases, including NEA Click & Save! Apply now for the NEA Cash Rewards Card and receive $50 in statement credits, three times cash back on qualifying purchases and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Click here to find out more.

You could win tickets to see the Chicago Symphony     

Send us an email message with “Symphony” in the subject line and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to the April 5 performance at the Symphony Center.

Tickets will be awarded Feb. 28.

The IEA Store is back, featuring your old favorites, new items and a new way to order!

With IEA Store items, you can:

• Show your pride in being a member of the Illinois Education Association-NEA;
• Provide incentive gifts for meeting attendance;
• Thank your members who volunteer;
• And more…

All with items available to you, at cost, featuring the IEA logo.