OEA

Part of the mission of the Ohio Education Association is advocating for members and the learners they serve. A vital part of this advocacy is involvement in public policy decisions. This link to the OEA website is where you can learn about current issues affecting public education; the importance of becoming involved; and how to contact your elected representatives to make your voice heard. You may be required to log in to see certain political action content.

PEA can provide a limited number of substitute teachers to members attending lobby days in Columbus as well as reimbursement of the mileage and lunch expense for the day. Contact the PEA office if you would like to attend as appointments with legislators are necessary as well as coordination of rides and substitutes. No experience is necsssary as OEA provides a short orientation and training session the morning of lobby day prior to meeting with the legislators.

Over the past several years, retired teachers have had to pay a higher portion of their health care expenses. Current projections show that the STRS health care fund will run out of money in 2021. HB 315 provides long-term solvency for the STRS health care fund by creating a way for employees and their employers to pre-fund retiree health care benefits. The bill would increase employee contributions to STRS by 2.5 percent of their salary and the employer contribution by 2.5 percent of payroll. These increases would be phased in over a five-year period in 0.5 percent increments and could only be used to provide health care benefits.

This proposed legislation was unanimously endorsed by the delegates of the OEA Representative Assembly and is supported by the majority of Ohio’s active and retired teachers; however, supporters of this bill will have to be very vocal and active for the proposal to gain traction in the Ohio legislature. OEA urges all members to contact their legislators and ask them to support HB 315.
 

HB 423- NBCT STIPENDS/PREMIUM PAY/COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

OEA Opposed

1.     Restricts future eligibility for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) receiving state stipends to school districts in Academic Emergency or Watch and only teachers who teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math in grades 9-12.

2.     Permits school districts, educational service centers, and county MR/DD boards to pay wage rate differentials above their regular salary schedules for certain teachers serving in subjects or grades the local districts deem a priority.

3.     Removes from collective bargaining the issues of teacher wage rate differentials, the length of the school year, and the length of the school day.

 
SB 264- ELIMINATES RIGHT TO STRIKE FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS

OEA Opposed

State Sen. John Carey (R- Wellston) has introduced a bill that would eliminate the right of teachers to strike under Ohio’s collective bargaining law. The OEA strongly opposes any weakening of Ohio’s long-standing collective bargaining law, which has empowered teachers to advocate for many improvements in teaching and learning conditions that have benefited students. Co-sponsors of this legislation include Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) and Senate Education Committee Chair Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton).

 

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