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Press Release

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2012
Contact: Alexandra Schroeck
877-385-6264
alexandra@aaeteachers.org

Association of American Educators' Colorado Chapter Testifies Before Colorado House Education Committee in Support of House Bill 1333


Alexandria, VA– The Association of American Educators' (AAE) state chapter, the Professional Association of Colorado Educators (PACE), testified today before the Colorado House Education Committee today in favor of House Bill 1333, a measure aimed at promoting fairness among union and non-union teachers and their associations. PACE Membership Director Tim Farmer was joined by three teachers who spoke in favor of the pending legislation and cited examples as to why the bill is important.

"It is only logical and fair to treat teachers and their chosen associations with fairness and respect," said Tim Farmer. "HB 1333 is commonsense legislation that wisely addresses an imbalance in the way our education system operates."

Currently in most of Colorado's largest school districts, teachers cannot revoke union membership and paying pricey dues unless they notify the union during 2-3 week window in the fall. Further, school districts are in a position to arbitrarily choose which teacher organizations can have access to payroll deduction – essentially granting favoritism. PACE has been denied access to payroll deduction in many school districts even when requested by a district teacher who is a PACE member.

House Bill 1333 would ensure that teachers be afforded the right to revoke their membership of any association, at any time and for any reason. Additionally, HB 1333 would require school districts to honor the payroll deduction of all active teacher associations in the state and provide teacher and education employees with the added protections of understanding how their membership dues are used.

"This bill is a critical first step in putting Colorado's teacher associations on equal footing," said AAE Executive Director Gary Beckner. "We are confident that this pro-teacher legislation will finally put teachers in control of their hard earned dollars. I join PACE leadership in urging its swift passage."

The bill was approved in the Colorado House Education Committee and will move on to the House for a full vote.

Visit www.coloradoteachers.org/HB1333 for more information about House Bill 1333.

The Association of American Educators is the largest national, non-union, professional educators' association, offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy. AAE members are forward-thinking professionals who are committed to student-centered reform efforts including school/teacher choice, accountability and technology. AAE has members in all 50 states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $15 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources as well as a host of other benefits. Visit www.aaeteachers.org for further information.



 


Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE Andrew Arndt— Freemont, IN