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15 Comments:
Sounds like smart political maneuvering to me. Smith should be commended for getting a good program passed in this insane Republican-controlled government. That's more than most of his "more experienced" Democratic colleagues can say they did this session.
5/24/2007 10:19 AM
Exactly. They are upset that Jeff Smith was able to maneuver within a republican controlled legislature and pass a program which would greatly benefit SLPS and other districts. Senate Bill 443 is a huge step as it creates incentives to teach at the SLPS and other disadvantaged districts. This legislation makes it attractive for hard working college graduates to teach at the SLPS. In essence, we will be able to compete for the best graduates. The end result is that Jeff Smith showed them up and made them look bad.
5/24/2007 11:21 AM
No, what Jeff did was screw his own party to hand the Republicans a huge tax break for the wealthy in exchange for his own personal agenda. This isn't over Jeff. You're going to pay.
5/24/2007 11:34 AM
His "personal agenda" will benefit the SLPS and many other districts.
If you are upset about tax breaks for the wealthy then why don't you work against Blairmont and Paul McKee's 100 million dollar incentive for gentrification and wide scale demolition?
5/24/2007 11:42 AM
The question is why are you selective about which elected officials you choose to hold accountable for those "tax breaks for the wealthy"? Why do you blame April Ford Griffin and Rodney Hubbard when they do it but then let Jeff Smith off the hook when he does? I'm sure April and Rodney think building new homes in their districts is just as important as Jeff thinks giving the rich old jews in his district a big tax cut is important too.
5/24/2007 12:17 PM
Did he ever answer the question, Antonio? PQ has nothing to do with the substance of the bill it only cuts off debate.
There were three MoSteala bills.
HB 16- supplemental bill that governor has control on whether to fund or not. The higher institutions pet projects were in this bill. Smith vote - no
HB 17 - Reauthorization of Mohela. Smith vote - yes
SB 389 - More substantive Mohela language.
Smith vote - no
5/24/2007 12:20 PM
Smith's 'Teach for Mo.' program is nothing more than an attempt to 'reinvent the wheel.' Loan forgiveness programs to students willing to teach in districts classified as 'impoverished' by the federal government have existed since the 80's. Undergraduate loans are forgiven an approximate 20% each year taught, and in total after teaching in such districts for five years. Smith merely shows his cheap opportunism once more. The only thing he maneuvered is more paperwork for the students, and some PR for himself. Smith is the ultimate DUD--shiny on the surface, but if you scratch any deeper--you find fool's gold--worthless and fraudulent.
Jos N. White
5/24/2007 12:46 PM
Anon #2--'rich old jews'??!!
very nice.
5/24/2007 12:52 PM
Smith played the system to pass legislation he is pasionate about ....that's his job. In regards to the Social Secuirty Tax Cut....it was clearly going to pass - at least he got it capped to people making less than 100k that took a big byte out of its impact.
5/24/2007 1:25 PM
republican vs. democrat....
at least Smith's focus was on the kids and trying to change an obvious not working system.
5/24/2007 9:33 PM
Re: "rich old jews" seeking tax breaks in the 4th district
Care to elaborate on why you singled out the ethnicity?
5/24/2007 10:07 PM
Financial incentives will not work in the SLPS if conditions don't improve. Every year there is an endless revolving door of fresh college graduates who come in the system pie-eyed and leave with black eyes after one year (or less). The most dedicated are not in it for the money, and those who care most about money can never be paid enough to stay.
The real incentive for the best and brightest would be to provide an atmosphere in which they are allowed to do what they want to do...TEACH! Until we decide to spend what is necessary, the revolving door will continue.
5/25/2007 1:12 AM
By the way, anybody have details on the alternative programs being voted on at next Tuesday's Board of Education meeting? It would be nice to know before they vote.
5/25/2007 2:11 AM
Morris,
Smith's motives are most certainly NOT on the kids. If they were--he would be fighting to require the State to pay the 120 million mandated by the deseg. settlement which both Dem. Governor Holden and Rep. Governor Blunt have illegally withheld. You like a business comparison--well no business can operate without adequate CAPITAL. Smith has never cared about the kids--he merely uses them for convenient photo ops. If he actually cared, he would be fighting for full funding of the foundation formula, and a real discipline policy. He would not favor giving already well heeled yuppies a 10 year tax abatement on properties they can more than afford while pushing out working families unable to afford sky high rents. If he cared about the kids--he would be criticising Slay for cutting the Lead testing and treatment budget. Dedication is more than photo ops and yuppie get togethers in stylish coffee houses near Wash. U. Smith is so transparent--it's pathetic. The only question left is--what PR firm are you blogging from MORRIS?! I can spot a spin doctor propagandist a mile away.
5/25/2007 12:41 PM
Anon. 12:41 and Jos White have it right, right, RIGHT! It's all fluff. There already ARE programs in place for loan forgiveness for teaching in urban districts. All political show on Smith's part.
The substantive things the legislature could do to help the children--deseg money, lead paint abatement, etc.--ignored. This last legislative session was an insult to the republic form of government. They spent more time fixing mistakes that creating answers. Such foolishnes.
It looks to me like all the Teach for America legislation did was increase the number of "replacements" for real teachers available to run the mindless scripted curriculum of the charter schools Smith wants to expand. That way the charters can ensure a profit by holding down salaries.
When will anyone notice that the charter schools are failing WORSE than SLPS?
Eventually people will notice. But in the meantime, those properly positioned and invested will make a lot of (our public tax) money. Shameful.
5/29/2007 7:54 PM
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