News | Lake Washington Federation of Teachers (Local 3533)

Tax breaks need scrutiny | Spokesman-Review | 2/19/11

Rep. Andy Billig, guest columnist

As a freshman legislator, I often feel like a rookie relief pitcher, knowing the home team is counting on me to make the right decisions. One of those decisions is my sponsorship of legislation that will create a closer examination of tax exemptions, institute sunset dates so continuing tax preferences are required to be reauthorized at regular intervals and eliminate tax exemptions that can’t be justified. These measures will protect funding for our kids and communities, and bring more accountability and transparency to the tax exemption system. [more]

The Seattle Times | Dec. 15, 2010 | Give Community Colleges More Flexibility to Help Students, Economic Recovery

Guest editorial by Amy Kinsel

Amy J. Kinsel is a U.S. history instructor at Shoreline, chair of the college's Strategic Planning and Budget Committee and first vice president of the Shoreline Community College Federation of Teachers (local 1950).

THIRTEEN of Shoreline Community College's 129 full-time instructors have received layoff notices, along with staff and administrators, and we have been warned that more cuts are coming.

Recently named Washington's top community college by StateUniversity.com, Shoreline is not alone. Colleges across the state expect to absorb a projected 18 percent cut in the next biennium. [read full article].

'Superman' documentary doesn't tell full story about education challenges

Seattle Times | Oct. 7, 2010 | Guest columnist
The new documentary "Waiting for Superman" doesn't tell the whole story about the challenges facing public schools, writes guest columnist Sandra Schroeder. She highlights some of those challenges that need to be considered for widespread success in schools. Read full article.

The Stand

The Stand is a new website from the Washington State Labor Council which includes legislative, local, and national news as well as opinions and other information of interest to working families in Washington.

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Inside Higher Ed | May 23, 2008 | 21 Years as an Adjunct and Out

Inside Higher Ed's Quick Takes
Margaret West has taught part-time for 21 years at Edmonds Community College, in Washington State, gaining good reviews and annual contract renewals. The FACE blog -- part of the Faculty and College Excellence Campaign to get more tenure-track faculty slots and improve the treatment of adjuncts - reported that West was told recently that her services would no longer be needed and that a dean, asked why, told her "because I can." (read more)