MRTA Legislative Day a Success!
Thursday, February 15, 2024
(0 Comments)
Posted by: Sarah Hoeller
2024 MRTA Legislative Day at the Capitol: Our Members Are Making a Difference!
Embracing the spirit of advocacy, more than 250 dedicated MRTA members convened at the Missouri State Capitol on February 13, 2024, for the 2024 MRTA Legislative Day. Enthused about the spring-like weather, representatives from units across the state gathered to engage with legislators on crucial issues related to public education and the pensions of school retirees. Opening remarks from respected speakers kicked off the day before members spread out to visit with their Representatives and Senators about issues related to public education and public school retirees’ pensions.
Each year, MRTA’s Legislative Day event raises awareness and visibility of MRTA and highlights the group’s priorities to legislators while also providing time for education, advocacy, fellowship and camaraderie. The resilience of MRTA members was evident as they filled the rotunda, a sea of red shirts symbolizing their commitment.
The event featured opening remarks from esteemed speakers, including MRTA Legislative Committee Chair Randy McClain and Executive Director Maria Walden. Legislative guests including Senator Karla Eslinger, Senator Lauren Arthur, Representative Rick Francis, Representative Dale Wright, Representative Kathy Steinhoff, and Representative Peggy McGaugh added depth from legislators to the public education discussions. Noteworthy contributions also came in from video messages that were shared with MRTA members statewide.
While Legislative Day remains a pivotal event, year-round advocacy is essential. Randy McClain stressed the ongoing impact members can have by participating in Legislative Blitz Week. Even those unable to attend the event can make a difference by writing to their legislators, supporting legislation that benefits Missouri's public schools and educators.
“We are so grateful for our members dedication and the wonderful turnout this year,” said MRTA Executive Director Maria Walden. “It is true that there is strength in numbers and our members never disappoint. They understand the importance of showing up and speaking out for our state’s public schools, educators and public school retirees. The magic of one voice turns into an impact equal to 30,000 voices," she said. "It makes me proud when I think of what we can accomplish."
The day’s agenda included inspirational messages from both MRTA Legislative Committee Chair Randy McClain and Executive Director Maria Walden.
In addition, legislators sent videos along with the honored guests reiterating the importance of public education and strong pensions for members of the Missouri public education community.
“Legislative Day is a way we can make a bold statement about the priority that must be placed on our public education system, and make sure our Legislators are educated about the issues that are critical to MRTA members, our schools and our communities,” said Legislative Committee Chair Randy McClain. “We appreciate each and every legislator who took time to meet with us today and listened to our concerns,” he said. “It is imperative that we continue to make sure our voices are heard at the Capitol, because we can, and do, make a difference.”
While work done during Legislative Day is extremely important, year-round advocacy is needed.
According to McClain, even those who couldn’t attend this year’s event can still make a difference by writing to their Legislators during Legislative Blitz Week, which began on February 13, 2024 and ended on February 16, 2024.
“As the 2024 Legislative session nears its midpoint, we encourage all MRTA members to write their State Representatives and State Senators,” he said. “Encourage them to support legislation that will have a positive impact on Missouri’s public schools, educators and retirees – and to vote no on legislation that will hurt them.”
"The collective dedication showcased by attendees at this year's Legislative Day stands as a cornerstone of MRTA's success in safeguarding and fortifying Missouri's public schools. Our unwavering commitment extends to providing educators with competitive compensation and ensuring secure pension benefits," expressed Walden.
She emphasized the profound impact of active participation, stating, "The significance of showing up and speaking up transcends the immediate conversations we had that day."
Continuing, Walden highlighted the strength derived from unity among MRTA members, "When our members speak in unison, conveying our legislative platform cohesively, a powerful synergy emerges. This unity grants us a greater voice, enabling a more substantial positive impact and a more effective spread of our message to a broader audience. It's akin to the magic of one voice transforming into an impact equal to 30,000 voices. The potential for accomplishment fills me with pride. It makes me proud when I think of what we can accomplish.”
If you were unable to be a part of the 2024 MRTA Legislative Day, don’t worry! Plan to join us at the Capitol next year for Legislative Day 2025. MRTA will be there, snow or shine!
2024 Issues of Importance
PRIORITY #1 - MRTA supports full funding of the Foundation Formula and increasing teacher pay in Missouri. The Missouri Constitution mandates equal and adequate funding of K-12 education through HB 2, which requires education funding as the second priority of state expenditures. In 2020, Missouri ranked 49th in revenue spent on public schools at 32% while the national average is 40% on total revenue spent. Missouri teachers are currently ranked 50th on starting teacher pay and 47th on average teacher pay. MRTA supports an increase in teacher salary (SB 955 - Senator Eslinger, SB 1163 - Senator Black, SB 1014 - Senator Arthur, HB 1431 - Rep. Haley, HB 1447 - Rep. Lewis, and HB 1890 - Rep. Hein). Funding for Public Education should be the top priority for the Missouri General Assembly
PRIORITY #2 - MRTA supports a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for the retirees of the PSRS of the City of St. Louis (last increase was in 2006) and the PSRS of Kansas City, MO (last increase was in 2008). Cost-of-living adjustments are vital to the financial stability and security of our retirees. MRTA supports a one-time cost of living increase for the retirees MRTA strongly supports the PSRS/PEERS of Missouri COLA statute (HB 2469 - Rep. Anderson and HB 2610 - Rep. Gray).
PRIORITY #3 - MRTA supports increasing the COLA cap for retirees who have reached the 80% cap. Cost-of-living adjustments are vital to the financial stability and security of our retirees. MRTA supports a cost of living increase for the retirees who have been capped at 80% of their final salary. Legislation on this is currently being drafted.
PRIORITY#4 - MRTA opposes the use of public tax dollars for charter and private schools. MRTA asks that funding for Public Education be the #1 priority. Public dollars should go to public schools. SB 727 Senator Koenig - seeks to expand existing tax credit vouchers (HB 1024 - Rep. Christofanelli, HB 1738 - Rep. Richey, HB 1615 - Rep. Hudson, and HB 1671 - Matthiesen). SB 729 Senator Koenig - introduces a new tax credit-style voucher that provides 100% credit for private and home school expenses. Open Enrollment - SB 1051 - Senator Trent - establishes provisions allowing enrollment of nonresident students in public school districts and charter schools and modifies provisions regarding transportation costs for certain school districts. This legislation is similar to HB 1989 but contains a provision which allows for the transfer of students from a traditional public school to a charter school.
|
Print Page
Email to a Friend