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insider for May 19, 2010

IEA representatives participated in news conferences in eight Illinois cities on Tuesday, telling legislators: “When you come back to Springfield, pass a budget that funds the services Illinoisans want and need.” 

The events were sponsored by the Responsible Budget Coalition, whose 200 member-organizations include IEA, IFT, AFSCME and Voices for Illinois Children.  Read the reports on the events in Chicago and East St. Louis.

Protect the teacher tax break – Call your congressman!

IEA members should contact their US representatives to urge them to support House Resolution 4213 which would extend the tax deduction for educators’ out-of-pocket classroom expenses, extend unemployment and COBRA benefits until the end of 2010 and provide relief for the sponsors of pension plans that were hurt during market crashes of the last two years.

Use this link to urge your Representative to Vote YES on the tax extenders bill (H.R. 4213).

SLA is back!

Before you return to work at the end of summer, attend the schools offered at the IEA Summer Leadership Academy, July 27-30 at Illinois State University.

 School choices include: Communications; Finance; Association Representative (AR) School: Building the Backbone of A Strong Local Association; Grievance; Emerging Leaders; Bargaining: Preparing to Bargain; or Critical Issues. More information available on the IEA website.  

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Demystifying the hotel elevator

IEA members attending the NEA Representative Assembly (July 1-6), in New Orleans and staying at the Marriott, will be dealing with a quirky elevator system.  Avoid confusion in New Orleans by watching this short video. 

 

NEA is fighting to save education jobs

Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the White House called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to act now to save 300,000 teacher and support professional jobs jeopardized by state budget cuts. Without legislative aid, public school children nationwide face crowded classrooms, slashed programs and a shortened school year next year. Read the complete article and view a video here.

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Debit cards vs. credit cards

Find out the difference and what would be best for your situation on the NEA Member Benefits website. You can also find the best rate on your credit card while you’re there. Register on the NEA MB website to enter the member only section and find out other ways to save – every day.

Website of the Week

Are you planning a summer vacation on a shoestring? Illinois has a lot to offer with day trips, week-end getaways, or even week-long camping trips. Visit our website of the week to learn more.