"It's been a hard decision, but one I took with the confidence that I will be able to carry on the work we undertook in Michigan across the country.  I want to thank my neighbors for the trust they placed in me, my fellow legislators for their dedication to service and most especially my family for allowing me to step into a public life.  

"During my tenure in the legislature I have been one of the biggest advocates in the state for school reform and providing every student with a world class education.  My position with StudentsFirst provides me an opportunity to impact school legislation nationally while still giving back to my own community.   Education reform should know no partisan boundaries, and in my new position I will help form coalitions for change around the country that cut across the old divides. 

"I am deeply appreciative of the opportunities and support this community has given me over the years, and am indebted to my hometown for being so good to me and my family. I will give everything I've got in my new role to repay that debt by helping to ensure each child is afforded a great education."

bestandbrightestteachers

Teacher Tenure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      
Thursday, June 9, 2011                                                            


Statement from State Representative Tim Melton (D-Pontiac) on the teacher tenure reform package passed by the House today:

            "This historic vote today shows that Michigan is serious about school reform and ensuring that all of our students have the high quality, effective teachers in their classrooms that they deserve. No longer will we put political interests ahead of the well-being of our students."

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The Governor and Republican leaders have failed to listen to the people of Michigan. Thousands of residents spoke out at town halls and rallies across the state. My colleagues and I shared our community's opposition to education cuts and tax hikes with impassioned speeches on the House Floor. And countless residents wrote letters and emails and made phone calls to their elected officials to tell them that this is not the path Michigan should take.

After already raising taxes on our seniors and low-income families, yesterday House Republicans overwhelmingly passed a budget that contains drastic cuts to our schools. These are the largest per-pupil cuts passed by the Legislature under Michigan's current school funding system - and they were completely unnecessary.

Without these and other changes already passed by the Legislature, the School Aid Fund would have a $900 million surplus next year, which would allow us to increase funding to our schools. Instead, the Governor and the Republican-led Legislature decided to raid the School Aid Fund and take resources from our classrooms in order to fund a massive tax breaks for large corporations. I voted against this plan because education is the absolute last thing we should be cutting.

Raising taxes on our seniors and working families, slashing school funding and jeopardizing our kids' future in order to subsidize a $1.8 billion tax cut for corporations does not amount to the "shared sacrifice" we were promised. I have appreciated your comments and feedback throughout the budget process this year, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and opinions with me so I can better represent our community. I will continue standing up for our families, seniors and children and working to find solutions that are right for our state and the people of Michigan.

 I Want to Hear From You

Hearing your thoughts and concerns helps me do a better job representing you, your family and our community. As always, if you have any comments, concerns or ideas, please feel free to contact my office toll-free at (888) 635-8664 or email me at timmelton@house.mi.gov.

The Senate is voting today on the Emergency Manager Bill with the following changes:

- Emergency Manager must have 5 years experience and expertise in business, finanical, local or state budget matters.

- Power to sell assets includes school buildings, and sale over 50K needs treasury approval

- Expenditures 5K or more posted on web, including Emergency Managers salary/contract/financial plan  

- Eliminates ban on local officials holding office

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/2011-HB-4214