Once again, Alabama legislators just don’t get it. I am a teacher and president of the Calhoun County Education Association — 500 members strong and one of five local Alabama Educational Association organizations. Paul Hubbert and Joe Reed, our employees, fought on our behalf to secure benefits that encourage good teachers to stay in education.
Teaching, a high-stress job, is getting more difficult due to punitive legislation. The retention of new teachers is a serious problem and pension and health benefits are the few “rewards” offered. Over the last 11/2 years, increases in health-care deductibles and a legislative pay cut have taken their toll. Educators have less and less money to spend in our economy.
Now I read that “a new sheriff is in town” and the ax will drop on teachers again. Cutting teacher benefits will only reduce tax revenues. I asked before and ask again, how will legislators fill the funding gaps they create? Tax-break incentives for businesses won’t jumpstart the economy when few can afford to purchase the products or services offered.
Alabama deserves serious solutions, not attacks on teachers.
Angela Morgan
Jacksonville
