February 27, 2009 - The day has been consumed by budget deliberations. The conferees continue to meet, and only a sense of current direction can be offered.
Some of the issues are a bit technical, but I’ll offer the broad strokes.
The local match will be required for the at-risk programs. This protects programs for children who most need our help.
No vouchers or tuition tax credits.
All but $10 million of the $375 million of policy driven cuts from the introduced budget is restored – the Federal Stimulus bailed us out here. This should save a lot of jobs.
We will have an honest rebenchmarking of the Standards of Quality for the next biennium.
The early out retirement program is in deep trouble as it hurts the long-range actuarial standing of VRS. Most localities have indicated that they will not participate if the plan is offered. If it comes out of conference it will be altered.
The statewide insurance plan is gone.
VEA’s primary goals going into the session were to minimize the cuts and keep the cuts from being permanent. The cuts have been drastically reduced, and it appears that we will have an honest rebenchmarking of the Standards of Quality.
This information is of a preliminary nature and all of what is above depends on actions to be taken in the hours and day(s) ahead. Stay posted.
BECOME A MEMBER
Learn about what we do and join today!
Meet new members at VEA's Our Next Member blog
Get the latest on VEA and VEA-Retired elections
Check us out on Facebook and become a fan of the Virginia Education Association!
VEA STORE
Keep cool in your new VEA polo shirt! Look here for all your VEA logo-wear.
Shop online >>
