Otto Fajen’s update for today calls our attention to general workplace discrimination and whistleblower issues – of interest to all 99% of us. Be sure to let your representatives in the Capitol hear your voice on this issue.

Missouri NEA Weekly Legislative Update
Week 2, No. 1, January 9, 2012
By Otto Fajen
MNEA Legislative Director

WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION AND WHISTLE-BLOWER LAW

The Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee will meet on January 10 to hear SB 592 (Brad Lager). The Association opposes SB 592. The bill makes several harmful changes to the state’s anti-discrimination law in employment, disability and housing and significantly limits and weakens the “whistle-blower” protections that ensure front line employees with the best information and knowledge are able to hold public institutions and public officials accountable for faithfully fulfilling their public duties.  The bill contains some provisions from last year’s SB 188 (Brad Lager) which was passed by the legislature and vetoed by Governor Jay Nixon.  SB 188 did not become law.

Missouri NEA believes that unfair, discriminatory treatment in the workplace should remain unlawful.  The bill establishes a prescriptive process for dealing with summary judgement motions, and in effect changes the standards for showing unlawful “discrimination”.  The bill also excuses persons acting on behalf of an employer from liability under the discrimination law.  The ban on punitive damages for public employers, except in housing discrimination cases, limits the court’s ability to punish unlawful acts in a way that will deter future wrongdoing regarding employment and disability decisions.  Limitations on damages also limit the court’s ability to fully compensate harmed individuals for their losses and to deter future wrongdoing.

BUDGET COMMITTEES

The House Appropriations-Education Committee will meet for the first time this year on January 10.  The committee will hear a presentation on the school funding formula.  The state is no longer meeting the funding requirements of its own school funding law, and in the 2012-13 school year and beyond, the sole impact of the cuts could fall on the most vulnerable, the so-called “formula” districts.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will also meet on January 10.  Public testimony on education programs is scheduled for the meeting on January 18.

PUBLIC SCHOOL TRANSPARENCY

The House Downsizing State Government Committee will meet on January 10 to hear HB 1140 (Jason Smith).  This bill requires the Office of Administration to maintain public school and county and municipal government accountability information on the Missouri Accountability Portal. School districts and public charter schools must annually provide detailed employee compensation data, the school calendar, the district budget, and school policies to the department in a commonly used electronic format as specified by the department.

The Association supports HB 1140.  Missouri NEA supports accountability and transparency that fosters confidence and investment in public education and promotes economic prosperity for all Missourians.

PLAN TO ATTEND YOUR MNEA LEGISLATIVE BRUNCH OR DINNER!

Legislative involvement is close to home at your MNEA Legislative Brunch or Dinner. The event is a great opportunity to visit with local area legislators and hear a legislative briefing.

Area legislative dinner/brunch schedule:

Kansas City  Jan. 28, 2012
St. Louis  Feb. 9, 2012
Jefferson County Feb. 16, 2012
St. Charles Feb. 23, 2012
Springfield Mar. 17, 2012