Readers weigh in on GOP proposal that targets teachers unions

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A proposal supported by Arizona Republicans this legislative session would limit teachers from organizing.

From our story by reporter Alyssa Bickle:

“HCR 2040 is designed to eliminate education unions like the Arizona Education Association—prohibiting school districts from using any public resources to support labor organizations.

“It would prevent school employees from distributing any information about labor unions with the use of public resources—like printing union information with school equipment, and it prohibits union meetings from occurring on school property.

“The proposal is a ballot referral, and if passed, HCR2040 would go straight to voters rather than Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs’ desk, who would likely veto it.

“If voters pass the measure, it would place even more restrictions on educators’ ability to advocate for higher pay and better working conditions.”

Here’s what you said about it:

💬 “As a retired teacher from another state, I find Arizonans’ attitude towards public education and teachers in general appalling. Approving the voucher system and allowing it to function unchecked so that there seems to be little oversight as to how our tax dollars are being spent is unforgivable. Now to introduce a bill that will basically remove protections for the teachers who teach in the few remaining public schools is unbelievable.” — Susan Z.

💬 “Absolutely right on target Republicans!! All union activity should be fully separate from the job and tax payer funding! If union dues can’t cover operating costs then dues need to be raised! No tax dollars should ever be available to unions in any form ever! If unions are necessary and valuable to employees then they are worth paying for by the employees themselves!” —Greg T.

💬 “I have one question for Arizonans. Do you SUPPORT your public schools AND our children? We are nearly last in the nation in education and HCR 2040’s covert ‘around the governor’s desk’ bill will hurt education even more. Take a stand Arizonans and call your legislators to say NO to HCR 2040.” — Maureen M.

💬 “Union busting is the first step to eliminating the middle class.” — Jim D.

💬 “I think the Republican party has been doing everything possible to eliminate public education. They have been chipping away for decades. The voucher expansion to ESAs has devastated the education budget and schools are closing in many districts. Teachers don’t feel supported or appreciated. In 2011 the Republican legislature took away the unions ability to collect dues through payroll deduction. I believe they thought that would be the end of the union. Now they are going after any potential item that might help teachers organize and become stronger. Instead of working together to make public schools in Arizona the best they are acting fearful and petty. This bill is a waste of the time they should be spending on important legislation!” — Renae C.

💬 “Teachers need to organize and advocate for themselves. Public schools have often served as community meeting places after school hours, to discuss political things like land transfers, highway alignments, annexations, incorporation, Fire Districts, disaster shelters, and other things. Especially in rural areas with a lack of other facilities. Using district assets like paper and copying machines should not be allowed without compensation to the school. Within the guidelines of Constitutions no union should be limited. The unions that I have direct knowledge about do not meet during school hours, do not meet on school property and do not use school resources. That being said, a precedent should not be set limiting teachers or other unions. We have to ask ourselves why does the legislature want to do this? What are they afraid of? What have they done for teachers and school districts?” — Phil P.

💬 “Another blatant example of the right destroying our constitutional rights. This not only attacks our right to free speech but also the very education system that made our country what it is today. By limiting teachers ability to have a living wage we will have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to find only the dregs. Another attack on public education.” — Robert J.

💬 “Do you understand what unions do to a state’s property taxes?  Take a look at Illinois or Michigan.  I moved from the Midwest to Arizona because I could no longer afford to own a home there.  Property taxes on a $270,000 home were $8,400 a year.  If you want to bring that craziness to Arizona, go ahead and support unions.” — Peggy R.

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