2 weeks Ago
I remember during COVID when teachers were doing the unthinkable: trying to teach students remotely. Parents polled stated that a teacher's job was far harder than their jobs by overwhelming margins, and teacher respect grew overwhelmingly. Now, Sen.
Beau Ballard, acting as a lapdog of Gov. Jim Pillen, wants to restrict contributions to teacher retirement funds to make up for the shortfall in funding that the Legislature was able to create. Aside from the absurd things certain state senators are trying to enact to advance their own individual agendas or those on behalf of the governor, such as advancing Pillen's ideas about food in Nebraska (i.
e., meat), changing policies to benefit themselves (i.e, property taxes for Pillen's properties), etc.
, might we return to what is best for the people of Nebraska? Teachers work beyond the contracted work hours, and former Gov. Dave Heineman repeatedly cited his wife being a teacher while he was governor and noted the role teachers have. People are also reading.
.. Additionally, Pillen is a Catholic, and, having been raised a Catholic, there is a definite rule: "Do unto others as you would have done to you.
" Also, in the Catholic Church, actions mean more than words. I wish Gov. Pillen would realize that and know the future education of students through retention and respect of teachers means a lot more than sucking up to a politician in the White House.
Michael R. Geist, Lincoln Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!.
