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October - November 2018 • Volume 61, Number 2 • Published by the Connecticut Education Association • cea.org CEA SPECIAL ELECTION ISSUE

See who supports education

Get the facts on all the candidates at cea.org/reportcard. See page 4.

2 CEA ADVISOR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018

LEADING

Leading: Our Perspective

The new school year is underway. You’ve established your classroom and are working hard to get to know your students better every day. You have assessed their needs, set expectations for this school year, and begun making the best decisions possible for your students based on this background and knowledge. We ask that you apply this same depth of understanding to the candidates on the ballot in this year’s election—those we will send to Congress, including one of our own:

and public education. You will notice that some candidates did not feel that the questionnaire was worth their time and did not return it, which speaks volumes about where they stand on education issues. Governor’s race You can also use the report card to examine the differences between gubernatorial

New CEA Report Card Helps Teachers Become Education Voters

Jeff Leake, CEA President

candidates Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski (see pages 8-9). Both candidates have very different plans regarding teacher pensions, collective bargaining, and school funding. Lamont is an education advocate and made the CEA honor roll; Stefanowski is a corporate reformer who supports Betsy DeVos’s plan to privatize public schools. Become an education voter Threats to our schools and our profession come from many corners, and we need to push back by electing legislators who will work with us, not against us, when it comes to important education-related issues. The new report card system provides you with the facts so that you can become an “education voter” and decide for yourself which candidates are the best choice for you—as educators, as family members, and as leaders in the community. As an

Jahana Hayes, the 2016 National Teacher of the Year from Waterbury (story on page 11); and those who will be the leaders of our state and who will serve in Connecticut’s General Assembly. What’s at stake? We know that the last thing many teachers want to think about is politics, yet that is exactly what we all must do. What’s at stake is control of Congress and state legislatures across our deeply divided nation. We may not like it, but we must be involved in the political process to be advocates for our students, our schools, and our profession. In the past year, not everything has gone the way we would have liked. We have seen a major

Tom Nicholas, CEA Vice President

overhaul of the federal income tax system, and in Connecticut, legislators increased the teacher payroll tax. These are just a few of the reasons it is so important for teachers to be engaged. We must scrutinize candidates’ positions on everything from education funding to protecting teachers from aggressive students to funding educators’ pensions. Make no mistake, the governor, state senators and representatives, and those we elect to our local boards of education and town councils will make decisions that affect every

education voter, you will be standing strong with your colleagues and ensuring that our collective voice is not diminished. We encourage you to talk with family, friends, and neighbors and let them know why being an education voter is so important at this moment, at this time, in this election. Who stands with teachers? We are just a few weeks away from a day that will determine our future—a day that will determine whether we will have the resources we need

The report card informs us of the candidates’ positions on key issues and highlights those who want to help students and teachers, and those who are doing harm to them.

Donald E. Williams Jr. CEA Executive Director

CEA GOVERNANCE Jeff Leake • President Tom Nicholas • Vice President

Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary Kevin Egan • Treasurer

John Horrigan • NEA Director David Jedidian • NEA Director

aspect of our future—as educators, as parents, and as leaders in the communities where we live and teach. Grading legislators In order to help you examine the facts about the candidates, we have replaced our endorsement process and developed CEA’s first-ever Legislator Report Card and Honor Roll system (see story on page 4). The fact-based information system evaluates candidates’ voting records on issues that matter to you. It is transparent and holds candidates accountable. The report card informs us of the candidates’ positions on key issues and highlights those who want to help students and teachers, and those who are doing harm to them. And just like in our public schools, those with the highest report card scores are placed on the honor roll (see story on page 5). The CEA honor roll recognizes the candidates who have shown their commitment to public education and the rights of teachers. Close races We ask you to pay special attention to the 30 spotlight districts in cities and towns where the races are extremely important and could make the difference in ensuring teachers’ rights are protected (see pages 6-7). In spotlight districts, you can compare the candidates’ scores based on their legislative history and their responses to a CEA questionnaire. See which candidates have supported us, worked with us on key issues, and pledged to stand with teachers as we speak out for our students

for our students, a day that will determine our ability to retire with dignity, a day that will determine our ability to stand strong and advocate for public education in Connecticut. That day, of course, is November 6, Election Day. We must elect public servants who will ensure we have the resources we need to work with our students as they come to us—academically, emotionally, and psychologically. The candidates on CEA’s honor roll are true education champions, and we must put in some sweat equity for them by standing up and offering them our time and our support to help get them elected. We know why we are teachers. We are teachers because we care. We help shape the future and educate our future leaders—our students who will grow to become men and women capable of doing great things. We too are capable of doing great things if we stand together and elect leaders who believe in public education. We ask you to think about these questions as you enter the voting booth: Will you be able to say you defended public education from those who wanted to destroy it? Will you be able to say you worked with your union to defend against the assault on collective bargaining and teachers’ rights? Will you be able to say you did not give up, standing strong and voting for students, teachers, and public education? We know you will, and we thank you. September 27, 2018

CEA ADVISOR STAFF Nancy Andrews • Communications Director Lesia Winiarskyj • Managing Editor Sandra Cassineri • Graphic Designer Laurel Killough • New Media Coordinator October - November 2018 Volume 61, Number 2 Published by Connecticut Education Association 1-800-842-4316 • 860-525-5641 cea.org CEA Advisor The CEA Advisor is mailed to all CEA members. Annual subscription price is $5.72 (included in membership dues and available only as part of membership). Institutional subscription price: $25.00. Advertising in the CEA Advisor is screened, but the publishing of any advertisement does not imply CEA endorsement of the product, service, or views expressed. CEA Advisor UPS 0129-220 (ISSN 0007-8050) is published in August, October/November, December/ January, February/March, April, May/June, and summer (online) by the Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106-8001, 860-525-5641. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, Connecticut. Postmaster: Send address changes to CEA Advisor , Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106-8001. Production date: 10-12-2018

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018 CEA ADVISOR 3

News Briefs

IN THIS ISSUE

CEA, Legislators: No to Federal Education Dollars for Firearms Senator Chris Murphy: “We should be listening to teachers”

LEADING CEA’s leadership team emphasizes the critical impact of teachers becoming education voters. Read why teachers must advocate for their profession, their students, and their schools. ASSESSING CEA compiles its first-ever Legislator Report Card—a fact-based evaluation of candidates running for office in districts throughout the state. See how your candidates scored on issues important to your classroom and your future. RECOGNIZING Legislative candidates who have made the best efforts and achieved the best results for teachers and public education deserve special recognition. CEA’s Honor Roll gives a shout-out to Connecticut’s education champions. Some races are especially close this election season, and the winners will decide what direction public education takes in this state. Check out 30 spotlight districts where teachers’ votes are more important than ever. Connecticut’s major-party gubernatorial hopefuls, Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski, have very different ideas about public education, teachers’ pensions, and your right to negotiate for fair wages and working conditions. Get the facts on where they stand and what that means for you. From John Larson to Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes, read what your colleagues are saying about their congressional candidates and why they deserve your support. TEAMING UP Whether it’s making the holidays brighter for children in need or filling the stands at UConn’s homecoming game, teachers are teaming up to show their goodwill and spirit.

CEA joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy and other Connecticut leaders at a September news conference calling on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to abandon plans that would allow the use of federal funds to arm teachers. Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, stressed that arming teachers is not a solution to classroom safety issues and urged DeVos to testify before the HELP Committee on the issue. “Congress has made its intent clear,” said Murphy, describing bipartisan consensus that federal funds should not be used to arm teachers. Calling it “a pivotal moment on a critical issue,” U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro

CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas (at the podium) joins U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (right) in calling on Betsy DeVos to abandon plans for allowing federal dollars to arm teachers.

teachers union, CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas, a 30-year Manchester educator and school social worker, agreed. “Our students and our schools are in need of so many basic necessities, such as books, technology, guidance counselors, and school social workers, and that is where our resources should be spent. Traditionally, families and community groups provided children with stability, guidance, and a sense of belonging. Now, our teachers are being asked to shoulder more and more of this responsibility. Our certification and training is in education, not sharpshooting. It is preposterous to ask educators to holster weapons instead of workbooks.”

also called for a prohibition on the use of federal education funds to pay for guns and firearms training for school staff. Dangerous proposal Citing recent incidents of teachers’ and school safety resource officers’ guns accidentally being discharged by adults and children in schools, Murphy said, “This is a very dangerous proposal coming down from Betsy DeVos.” He added, “The data is clear: 75 to 85 percent of teachers surveyed said teachers should not be armed, and we should be listening to teachers.” Speaking on behalf of Connecticut’s largest Every dollar invested in transportation infrastructure returns $3.54 in economic impact. That’s why CEA’s Board of Directors made a motion on September 21 to urge Connecticut residents to vote yes on a Transportation Revenue Lockbox. The lockbox would ensure that tax dollars raised for transportation are spent on transportation—not raided to plug budget deficits. Connecticut is no stranger to deepening income inequality and the socioeconomic disadvantages it brings. Teachers see it in their classrooms every day and are working hard to strengthen the safety net for students and families at risk. To combat economic disparities and promote economic growth, CEA has formed alliances with groups such as the

6-7 HIGHLIGHTING

8-9 EVALUATING

CEA Urges Teachers to Vote Yes on Transportation Lockbox Investing in roads, bridges is an investment in Connecticut’s future

10-11 SUPPORTING

have been graded structurally deficient • Car and truck exhaust contributes to high rates of asthma in our cities • Transportation is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector of the state’s economy • Despite these grim statistics, since 2005, our legislators have diverted more than $250 million away from the Special Transportation Fund to balance the state budget Join CEA in voting yes on November 6 to protect Connecticut’s transportation funding.

REPRESENTING Your teachers union needs you!

Represent your colleagues by serving as a county director or NEA state delegate. See which positions are open and how to submit your nomination.

Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, whose goals include repairing roads and bridges and expanding bus and rail service. Achieving those goals will benefit families, businesses, job growth, local economies, and public health and safety. Consider the facts: • 41 percent of Connecticut’s state and local roads have been rated in “poor condition” • More than 300 bridges

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ASSESSING

4 CEA ADVISOR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018

CEA Helps You Make Informed Decisions in the Voting Booth

Report cards for legislators show who gets high marks for public education, who fails to make the grade

With election season in full swing, it’s important to know which incumbents voted with teachers, who went against us, and which new candidates are staunch supporters of public education. “We have heard from our members that they want the facts so that they can make their own decisions at the ballot box,” says CEA President Jeff Leake. CEA’s first-ever report card and honor roll system looks at the facts and evaluates legislative candidates’ voting records on issues that matter to teachers. • In the last legislative session, who decided to plug the state’s budget deficit with a payroll tax on teachers? Who voted to roll back that teacher tax? • Who demanded greater protection for teachers and greater supports for students whose behavior endangers others? Who didn’t? • Who upheld the standards for teacher certification that you worked so hard to achieve? Who is willing to fast-track certification for less-qualified candidates? Not only did CEA examine voting records, but the association also distributed questionnaires to every candidate running for office and invited candidates to participate in interviews about education issues. Many took CEA up on these offers; others ignored the association’s requests and questionnaires. Just in time for Election Day, November 6, see who’s a true ally in the fight for quality public education and whose campaign promises fall short. How it works

priorities • Their advocacy for students, teachers, and public schools in public hearings, on the chamber floor, in the press, and among their peers in the legislative environment • Their responsiveness to requests to meet with CEA members and staff • Their efforts to advance CEA’s priorities over the past two-year legislative cycle, including § § Funding public education § § Preserving collective bargaining § § Enhancing the teaching profession § § Protecting the pension system § § Keeping schools safe § § Upholding teacher certification standards § § Supporting sound education policy Why it matters “This report card takes into consideration how lawmakers voted on key bills— ranging from classroom safety to teacher pensions—as well as how strongly they advocated on behalf of public education and collective bargaining,” says Leake. “This system is transparent and holds candidates accountable, which matters at a time when the rights of both public- and private-sector employees, including their right to bargain collectively, are under constant attack.” CEA Executive Director Donald Williams adds, “Following a wave of teacher demonstrations across the country, there has been a renewed interest in the political process and its direct effect on public education,

those with no voting records. Did anyone locally know anything about them? How supportive were they, and how willing to work with teachers? For all candidates, including those without a state legislative history, answers to candidate questionnaires and interview results were included in the report card.” Additionally, says Brown, significant emphasis was placed on a candidate’s actions involving the rights of teachers to have a voice in the education of their students, the working and learning conditions at their schools, and the ability to bargain for fair wages and benefits. “We are sharing those results with our members to help in their voting decisions. We have also noted where candidates failed to respond to our questionnaires.” In addition, CEA has identified key races in 30 districts where teachers’ votes are necessary to elect education-friendly candidates who will fight for issues important to teachers—ranging from protecting our students to protecting our jobs and our pensions. These close races could help decide whether Connecticut teachers, students, and public schools get the support they deserve or whether they lose out to corporate interests. See where the candidates stand on the issues in the spotlight districts on pages 6-7. *Prior to its decision to replace the endorsement process with a report card and honor roll system, CEA’s Board of Directors had already endorsed candidates for five congressional offices. Those candidates are featured on pages 10-11.

Check out CEA’s Legislator Report Card at cea.org/reportcard . To see the education champions who made CEA’s Honor Roll, turn to page 5 of this issue. students, and teachers. Our members are becoming more active, using their voice and their vote to make sure the concerns of teachers and students are heard.” All Constitutional offices and all 187 Connecticut General Assembly seats are up for grabs, as are five Congressional House seats and one Congressional Senate seat. “Let’s take a look at the records of those who are running, and let’s fill those seats with representatives and officials who will look out for teachers,” says Leake. Newcomers and spotlight districts With many newcomers seeking office, not everyone has had an opportunity to vote on key bills. So, how has CEA evaluated candidates without a legislative record? CEA Political Action Committee (CEA PAC) Chair Bob Brown, a retired teacher and former president of the Southington Education Association, explains. “The CEA PAC has conducted understand candidates’ positions on issues that matter to educators,” says Brown. “We also sought additional information about candidate questionnaires and interviews to help us better

While CEA is no longer endorsing legislative candidates,* the association is putting out the facts about their voting records and priorities so that you can see where they stand on the issues that matter to you. CEA’s report card recognizes legislators who are committed to giving students more opportunities for success and are working hard to improve public education and the teaching profession in Connecticut. It evaluates legislators on • Their voting

records and co- sponsorship of bills that either advance or stymie CEA education

RECOGNIZING

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018 CEA ADVISOR 5

Which 2018 Legislative Candidates Made CEA’s Honor Roll? Meet this year’s education champions

from teacher pensions to classroom safety. Many advocated strongly for critical bills and showed leadership in bringing those bills up for a vote. Some legislative candidates running have not held office and, therefore, do not have voting records that the CEA PAC can evaluate. However, all candidates were given questionnaires asking for their views on issues important to teachers. The CEA PAC was able to

Before you cast your vote on November 6, find out if your legislators are education champions who made CEA’s Honor Roll. CEA’s Political Action Committee (CEA PAC)—made up of teachers from across the state—has introduced an honor roll recognizing Connecticut lawmakers who are champions for education. These are typically legislators who earned the highest scores when it came to voting with CEA on key education issues in 2017 and 2018, ranging

consider their responses to the questionnaires as well as the following factors, when applicable: personal interviews, CEA member recommendations, the candidate’s background, and any elected positions previously held. Meet CEA’s 2018 Honor Roll candidates—

Honor Roll

true education champions.

Find your state House and Senate districts at cea.org/politics/legislator-lookup .

STATE SENATE HONOR ROLL

Dist. 9 Candidate  Matthew Lesser (D) Dist. 11 Incumbent Martin Looney (D)  Dist. 13 Candidate  Mary Abrams (D) Dist. 14 Candidate James Maroney (D)  Dist. 16 Candidate  Vickie Nardello (D)

Dist. 1 Incumbent  John Fonfara (D) Dist. 4 Incumbent Steve Cassano (D)  Dist. 5 Incumbent  Beth Bye (D) Dist. 6 Incumbent Terry Gerratana (D)  Dist. 7 Incumbent  John Kissel (R) Dist. 8 Incumbent Kevin Witkos (R) 

Dist. 47  Kate Donnelly (D) Dist. 48 Linda Orange (D)  Dist. 49  Susan Johnson (D) Dist. 50 Patrick Boyd (D)  Dist. 52  Kathy Bachiochi (D) Dist. 53 Susan Eastwood (D)  Dist. 54  Gregory Haddad (D) Dist. 56 Michael Winkler (D)   Dist. 98 Incumbent Sean Scanlon (D) Dist. 99 Incumbent James Albis (D)   Dist. 101 Incumbent Noreen Kok ruda (R) Dist. 103 Incumbent Liz Linehan (D) Dist. 107 Candidate Daniel Pearson ( ) Dist. 109 Incumbent David Arconti (D)  Dist. 110 Incumbent  Bob Godfrey D) Dist. 114 Incumbent Themis Klarid s (R) Dist. 115 Incumbent  Dorinda Borer (D) Dist. 117 Candidate Cindy Wolfe Boynton (D)  Dist. 119 Candidate  Ellen Russell Beatty (D) Dist. 60  Tim Curtis (D) Dist. 64 Brian Ohler (R)  Dist. 65  Michelle Cook (D) Dist. 66 Gayle Carr (D)  Dist. 72  Larry Butler (D) Dist. 73 Jeffrey Berger (D)  Dist. 75  Gerry Reyes (D) Dist. 77 Laura Bartok (D)  Dist. 120 Incumbent Philip Young (D)  Dist. 121 Incumbent  Joseph Gresko (D) Dist. 127 Incumbent Jack Hennessy ( ) Dist. 132 Candidate  Caitlin Clarkson Pereira (D) Dist. 134 Candidate Ashley Gaudiano (D)  Dist. 138 Candidate  Kenneth Gucker (D) Dist. 139 Incumbent Kevin Ryan (D)  Dist. 22 Incumbent  Marilyn Moore (D) Dist. 24 Candidate Julie Kushner (D&WFP)  Dist. 25 Incumbent  Bob Duff (D) Dist. 26 Incumbent Toni Boucher (R)  Dist. 29 Incumbent  Mae Flexer (D) Dist. 34 Incumbent Leonard Fasano (R) 

Dist. 20 Candidate Martha Marx (D) 

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONOR ROLL

Dist. 1 Incumbent  Matthew Ritter (D) Dist. 2 Candidate Raghib Allie-Brennan (D)  Dist. 6 Incumbent  Edwin Vargas (D) Dist. 12 Candidate Geoff Luxenberg (D)  Dist. 15 Incumbent  Bobby Gibson (D) Dist. 18 Candidate Jillian Gilchrest (D)  Dist. 19 Incumbent  Derek Slap (D) Dist. 21 Incumbent Mike Demicco (D)  Dist. 24 Incumbent  Rick Lopes (D) Dist. 26 Incumbent Peter Tercyak (D)  Dist. 27 Candidate  Gary Turco (D) Dist. 28 Incumbent Russell Morin (D)  Dist. 30 Incumbent  Joe Aresimowicz (D) Dist. 31 Candidate Jill Barry (D)  Dist. 32 Candidate  Laurel Steinhauser (D) Dist. 33 Incumbent Joseph Serra (D) 

Dist. 47 Candidate  Kate Donnelly (D) Dist. 48 Incumbent Linda Orange (D) 

Dist. 1  Matthew Ritter (D) Dist. 2 Raghib Allie-Brennan (D)  Dist. 49 Incumbent  Susan Johnson (D) Dist. 51 Candidate Larry Groh Jr. (D)  Dist. 52 Candidate  David Walsh (D) Dist. 53 Candidate Patricia Wilso (D)  Dist. 54 Incumbent  Gregory Haddad (D) Dist. 56 Incumbent Michael Winkler (D)  Dist. 6  Edwin Vargas (D) Dist. 8 Tim Ackert (R)  Dist. 12  Kelly Luxenberg (D) Dist. 13 Joseph Diminico (D)  Dist. 15  David Baram (D) Dist. 16 John Hampton (D)  Dist. 60 Candidate  Jane Garibay (D) Dist. 64 Candidate Maria Horn (D)  Dist. 65 Incumbent Michelle Cook (D) Dist. 72 Incumbent Larry Butler (D)  Dist. 18  Andrew Fleischmann (D) Dist. 19 Derek Slap (D)  Dist. 73 Candidate  Ron Napoli Jr. (D) Dist. 78 Candidate Allen Marko (D)  Dist. 20  Joe Verrengia (D) Dist. 21 Mike Demicco (D)  Dist. 22  Betty Boukus (D) Dist. 24 Rick Lopes (D)  Dist. 25  Robert Sanchez (D) Dist. 26 Peter Tercyak (D)  Dist. 85 Incumbent Mary Mushinsky (D) Dist. 86 Incumbent Vincent Candel ra (R)  Dist. 88 Incumbent  Josh Elliott (D) Dist. 90 Candidate Dan Fontain (D&WFP)  Dist. 91 Incumbent  Michael D’Agostino (D) Dist. 96 Incumbent Roland Lem r ( )

Dist. 35 Candidate  Jason Adler (D) Dist. 36 Candidate Christine Palm (D) 

Dist. 140 Candidate  Colin Hosten (WFP)

Dist. 38 Candidate  Baird Welch-Collins (D) Dist. 40 Incumbent Christine Conley (D)  Dist. 41 Incumbent  Joe de la Cruz (D) Dist. 44 Candidate Christine Rosati Randall (D) 

Dist. 143 Incumbent Gail Lavielle (R) 

HIGHLIGHTING

6 CEA ADVISOR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018

Spotlight Districts: Key Legislative Races MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT NOVEMBER 6 CEA is paying particular attention to competitive legislative races throughout the state and has identified close contests where every vote matters. Teachers’ votes are needed to elect pro-education, pro-teacher candidates in these 30 spotlight districts. Examine the voting records and priorities of the candidates running where you

live and teach. Know which legislators will fight for your profession, your students, and your schools. For details on the candidates in your district, including their views on everything from pedagogy and testing to teacher pensions, visit cea.org/reportcard . Make your voice, as a teacher, heard—and make your vote count.

STATE SENATE

Dist. 4 – Andover, Bolton, Glastonbury, Manchester

Dist. 17 – Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, Woodbridge

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

100

Honor Roll

Steve Casano (D)

No legislative record

100

Jorge Cabrera (D)

Did not return

Mark Tweedie (R)

Did not return

George Logan (R)

Dist. 22 – Bridgeport, Monroe, Trumbull

Dist. 12 – Branford, Durham, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, North Branford

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

Honor Roll

No legislative record No legislative record

Marilyn Moore (D)

Christine Cohen (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Rich Deecken (R)

Adam Greenberg (R)

Dist. 24 – Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman

Dist. 13 – Cheshire, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

100

No legislative record

Honor Roll

Julie Kushner (D)

100

Honor Roll

Mary Abrams (D)

Did not return

Michael McLachlan (R)

Len Suzio (R)

Dist. 14 – Milford, Orange, West Haven, Woodbridge

Dist. 29 – Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Mansfield, Putnam, Scotland, Thompson, Windham

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Honor Roll

James Maroney (D)

Did not return

Honor Roll

Mae Flexer (D)

Did not return

No legislative record

Did not return

Pam Staneski (R)

David Coderre (R)

Dist. 33 – Chester, Deep River, Essex, Clinton, Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, Westbrook

Dist. 16 – Cheshire, Prospect, Southington, Waterbury, Wolcott

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Honor Roll

Vicki Nardello (D)

Norman Needleman (D)

Did not return

Robert Sampson (R)

Melissa Ziobron (R)

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Dist. 2 – Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Redding

Dist. 30 – Berlin, Southington

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Raghib Allie-Brennan (D)

Honor Roll

100

Honor Roll

Joe Aresimowicz (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

William Duff (R)

Steven Baleshiski (R)

Dist. 13 – Glastonbury, Manchester

Dist. 31 – Glastonbury

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

No legislative record No legislative record

100

Honor Roll

Jason Doucette (D)

Jill Barry (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Jennifer Fiereck (R)

Lillian Tanski (R)

HIGHLIGHTING

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018 CEA ADVISOR 7

STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONTINUED

Dist. 34 – Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton

Dist. 64 – Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Theresa Govert (D)

Honor Roll

Maria Horn (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

57 100

Brian Ohler (R)

Irene Haines (R)

Dist. 36 – Chester, Deep River, Essex, Haddam

Dist. 65 – Torrington

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

95 92

Honor Roll

Michelle Cook (D)

Christine Palm (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Molly Spino (R)

Robert Siegrist (R)

Dist. 40 – Groton, Ledyard

Dist. 90 – Cheshire, Wallingford

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Christine Conley (D)

100

Honor Roll

Daniel Fontaine (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Craig Fishbein (R)

John Scott (R)

Dist. 41 – Groton, New London

Dist. 99 – East Haven

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

Did not return

Honor Roll

96 96

Honor Roll

James Albis (D)

Joe De La Cruz (D)

No legislative record

No photo available

Did not return

Robert Ranfone (R)

Kenneth Richards (R)

Dist. 44 – Killingly, Plainfield

Dist. 102 – Branford

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Christine Rosati Randall (D)

Honor Roll

Robin Comey (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Robert Imperato (R)

Anne Dauphinais (R)

Dist. 51 – Killingly, Putnam, Thompson

Dist. 103 – Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record No legislative record

Honor Roll

Liz Linehan (D)

Larry Groh Jr. (D)

No legislative record

Did not return

Diane Pagano (R)

Ricky Hayes (R)

Dist. 53 – Ashford, Tolland, Willington

Dist. 104 – Ansonia, Derby

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Pat Wilson Pheanious (D)

Honor Roll

Kara Rochelle (D)

No legislative record

-17

Did not return

Joseph Jaumann (R)

Sam Belsito (R)

Dist. 58 – Enfield

Dist. 138 – Danbury, New Fairfield, Ridgefield

REPORT CARD

QUESTIONNAIRE

No legislative record

Kenneth Gucker (D)

100

Honor Roll

Tom Arnone (D)

Did not return

Michael Ferguson (R)

Greg Stokes (R)

EVALUATING

8 CEA ADVISOR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018

Two Gubernatorial Candidates | Two Approaches to Public Education, Teachers’ Rights EXAMINE THE FACTS

In Connecticut’s race for governor, hopefuls Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski have different plans for public education, collective bargaining, and other factors that affect you, your students, and Connecticut’s schools. Each plan would take public schools in a very different direction. Lamont is a vocal advocate for teachers and public schools. His priorities are reflected on his website and in his dialogue with Connecticut voters, and he scored 100 percent on CEA’s candidate questionnaire—all earning him a CEA Honor Roll designation. Stefanowski, on the other hand, believes in privatizing public education and

doing away with collective bargaining. His plan for cutting state revenue is widely predicted to result in massive education cuts and teacher layoffs. All candidates running for office received a questionnaire from CEA on matters related to public education. Some failed to take the time to fill it out and return it. Those who did helped CEA see whether they stand with teachers on issues such as classroom safety, school funding, collective bargaining, privatization of schools, resources for English learners, teacher certification, minority teacher recruitment, teacher retirement and healthcare, and more. Read more about our gubernatorial candidates below and online, at cea.org/reportcard .

A CLOSER LOOK AT NED LAMONT

Connecticut has done to improve our educational system over the past few decades. Our teachers and educators are incredibly hard- working, and I thank them for their dedication to the well-being of our children and adult-learners alike.” He adds, “In the past 20 years, the

“Education is the best investment we can make in our future, and funding it should not be a political question.” Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont scored 100 on CEA’s questionnaire and made the CEA Honor Roll based on his support of public education and the rights of teachers. He has pledged to • Restore equity to education cost share (ECS) funding • Fortify the teacher pension fund • Protect teachers’ rights to collectively bargain • Ensure that alternative systems of education do not receive more state funds at the expense of traditional public schools • Seek better, more equitable ways of funding special education services In his first debate against Bob Stefanowski, on September 12, Lamont also said he supports an initiative backed by CEA to secure the Teachers’ Retirement Fund: placing the Connecticut Lottery into the fund to reduce the state’s unfunded liability and provide a stable source of significant income. “I believe that access to high- quality public education must be a right for all, not just the privileged few,” says Lamont on his website. “I have visited educational institutions all over the state, hearing from driven students and passionate educators, and I am proud of the hard work that Bob Stefanowski declined to fill out CEA’s questionnaire. His website provides no insights into his views on education, but he supports plans like those of Betsy DeVos to privatize public schools, and he has a long history of supporting the corporate elite at the expense of unions. He applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME , aimed at stripping away the rights and freedoms of teachers and working people. “Thank God for the Janus decision,” he said. “The nice part about it is it gives us a lot more power with the union leadership... It takes them out right at the knees. When I saw that decision come through, I was clicking my heels three times.” Indeed, Stefanowski has called for A CLOSER LOOK AT BOB STEFANOWSKI

workers, their families, and their communities. Once again, this underscores the fact that elections have consequences.” Lamont pledged that he would “ensure that workers have the right to organize through collective bargaining and achieve a decent standard of living,” adding, “I have always believed that unions play a critical role in building up and protecting the middle class in Connecticut and across the country. Unions provide economic stability for families and give them the opportunity to have a quality life for themselves and their children by ensuring workers earn a living wage and can do so in a fair and just workplace. Unions also protect equal opportunities for women and people of color who have been systematically disadvantaged due to discrimination and prejudice.” 100, the private sector is better at running something than the government is.” He also voiced his support for “pay for performance and outcome-based teaching,” adding, “All of those things from the private sector would be well-utilized in our public schools.” Not only do Stefanowski’s proposals for our public schools sound like those of Betsy DeVos and her network of corporate reformers, but his economic plans for Connecticut are reminiscent of those deployed in states like Kansas, where in 2012 the governor attempted to cut the state income tax by promising trickle-down economic prosperity—and instead eviscerated the state’s education system. Stefanowski’s “tax-cuts-spur- growth” notion for Connecticut has resulted in real damage—namely, slashed education programs and school funding—in several other states.

education cost sharing formula has been fully funded only twice, and legislators in Hartford continually tweak the formula to gain political favor instead of thinking about the needs of our children, the needs of our schools, or the needs of our state. Education is the best investment we can make in our future, and funding it should not be a political question.” On his website, Lamont lays out specific recommendations for improving Connecticut education. For example, he is in favor of • Reducing class sizes • Increasing counselor-to-student ratios • Incorporating more social workers into Connecticut’s schools • Expanding early education

Accomplishing those goals, of course, requires funding, and Lamont has promised to maintain current ECS funding levels; deliver a budget that’s on time so that schools can anticipate resources, capacity, and staff size and avoid the guessing game of last year’s budget fiasco; and work with teachers unions and local boards of education to ensure that funding remains in the classroom, not with non-teaching administrators. On the issue of teachers’ rights and freedom, contrary to Stefanowski—who reveled in the Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME —Lamont issued the following statement: “Today’s ruling in Janus v. AFSCME undermines the ability of unions to represent

His plans for privatization are not limited to state services but extend to public schools as well. In an August primary debate, on the subject of public education, Stefanowski declared, “We need to provide more choice. We need to invite the private sector in, because 99 times out of

“Thank God for the Janus decision. The nice part about it is it gives us a lot more power with the union leadership... It takes them out right at the knees.” Bob Stefanowski

“dramatic changes” in pensions and fringe benefits for state employees and is seeking greater concessions from labor. He believes in reopening state labor contract negotiations and has said, “If that doesn’t work, I’ll remind them that the firing freeze is only for four years, and on year five, we’re going to privatize some serious stuff.”

EVALUATING

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018 CEA ADVISOR 9

VOTE THE ISSUES: YOUR GUIDE TOWHERE CANDIDATES STAND ON EDUCATION

Honor Roll

NED LAMONT

BOB STEFANOWSKI

• Favors sustaining and strengthening the teacher pension fund • Supports an initiative backed by CEA to secure the Teachers’ Retirement Fund by placing the Connecticut Lottery into the fund to potentially reduce the state’s unfunded liability and provide a stable source of significant income • Supports reducing class sizes • Supports increasing counselor-to-student ratios • Advocates for increasing the number of social workers in Connecticut’s schools

• No response on questionnaire as of press time • No information provided online or in public dialogue on teacher pensions

TEACHER PENSIONS

• Supports “pay for performance” schemes and outcome-based teaching

TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

• Supports maintaining state grants to municipalities and restoring statewide equity to education cost share (ECS) funding

• Supports maintaining state grants to municipalities but plans to cut billions in state revenue, which jeopardizes education spending • Favors privatization of public schools and supports Betsy DeVos’s plans

SCHOOL FUNDING

• Applauds the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME , which threatens to undermine collective bargaining

• Supports teachers’ rights to collectively bargain and negotiate contracts, benefits, and working conditions

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

Constitutional Races

Empty promise? Both major-party gubernatorial candidates have criticized Governor Malloy’s attempt in 2017 to have municipalities shoulder one-third of the cost of teachers’ pensions—essentially shifting the state’s obligation onto cities and towns. They have also vowed, unlike Malloy, to maintain state grants to municipalities. On the face of it, this seems like good news for Connecticut residents—and for teachers, in particular. But a promise is not the same as a plan. Economic experts point out that Stefanowski’s pledge to maintain state funding for cities and towns would be quickly undone by his proposed rapid phaseout of the income tax. In the absence of a state income tax, which accounts for nearly half of the state’s revenues, Connecticut would lose the necessary funds to support its cities, towns, and school districts. “Stefanowski’s plan to eliminate $8.9 billion in income tax revenue without specifying how he would plug that hole should raise a lot of red flags,” says Orlando Rodriguez, CEA’s chief economist and research and policy development specialist. “That kind of loss in revenue would result in the biggest cut to education spending our state has ever seen—a move that would precipitate massive teacher layoffs. If he is sincere in his promise to cut the income tax, Bob Stefanowski would have to offset the massive loss of revenue with cuts in state funding for K-12, higher education, retiree pensions, healthcare, road improvements and repairs, elder housing, and more.”

Those elected to Constitutional offices will advise the governor, ensure that legislation is enacted, and help determine policy and funding that affects teachers’ working conditions, healthcare, retirement options, and more. Learn more about all the candidates at cea.org/reportcard .

QUESTIONNAIRE

100

Honor Roll

Susan Bysiewicz (D)

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Joseph Markley (R)

Did not return

100

Honor Roll

Shawn Wooden (D)

TREASURER

Thaddeus Gray (R)

Did not return

100

Honor Roll

William Tong (D)

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Susan Hatfield (R)

Did not return

100

Honor Roll

Denise Merrill (D)

SECRETARY OF STATE

Susan Chapman (R)

Did not return

Honor Roll

Kevin Lembo (D)

COMPTROLLER

Kurt Miller (R)

Did not return

SUPPORTING

10 CEA ADVISOR OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2018

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES WHO STAND UP FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION C EA has endorsed Connecticut’s four incumbent congressional FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE JOHN LARSON “A former high school teacher himself, U.S. Congressman John Larson has a

A s a former teacher, and the father of a current teacher, I know how hard educators work and how important they are to our communities. We need to heavily invest in our public schools because every student deserves an opportunity to succeed. I will fight back against Secretary DeVos' attempts to “

proud history of standing up for Connecticut’s teachers and public schools. When U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos attacked East Hartford Public Schools last year, John

representatives— First Congressional District Representative John Larson, Second Congressional District Representative Joe Courtney, Third Congressional District Representative Rosa DeLauro, and Fourth Congressional District Representative Jim Himes. These lawmakers have consistently listened to teachers’ concerns and effectively advocated for students and teachers. “Connecticut’s congressional delegation strongly supports education, and its members are deeply committed to the future of President Jeff Leake. “They understand the issues facing educators and will continue to work hard on our behalf supporting important legislation to strengthen our public schools. We need to re-elect them on November 6.” Connecticut and National Teacher of the Year endorsed CEA also endorses newcomer Jahana Hayes, a former state and national teacher of the year, in her run for the Fifth Congressional District. “Jahana is a strong champion and advocate for Connecticut’s students, teachers, and working class,” says Leake. “She has overcome numerous challenges and has taken every opportunity to improve her own life and the lives of others in her community, including her students. She is exactly the type of person we need fighting for all of us in Congress.” A voice for teachers in the Senate Incumbent U.S. Senator Chris Murphy also gained teachers’ support for consistently advocating for teachers and students and demonstrating leadership on matters critical to public education. In their own words Read firsthand accounts from your colleagues about what these congressional candidates have done to earn the trust of the education community and why they deserve your support and your vote on November 6. our children and our profession,” says CEA

turned out for a rally in support of students and teachers, encouraging them to stand proud and reminding Ms.

denigrate our schools and will work to ensure teachers have the resources and support

they need to help all students fulfill their potential." Congressman John Larson

DeVos, ‘You attack one of us, you attack all of us!’ Let’s send Rep. Larson back to Congress so that he can keep fighting for our profession and our schools.” Heidi Florian, Newington teacher

SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE JOE COURTNEY

A strong and equitably funded system of public schools in Connecticut is one of the most important foundations of a thriving middle class. It ensures that we have an educated workforce to build tomorrow’s economy. With Secretary DeVos’ hostile position towards traditional public schools leading our Department of Education, it’s more important than ever that we stand with our dedicated teachers and their commitment to the students and to the future.” Congressman Joe Courtney “

“Joe Courtney has been a friend of education for as long as I can remember. He cares about teachers, he fights for us, and in these uncertain times, it is critical to have someone like Joe in Washington—a representative we know we can depend on. This is a critical election, and all

teachers need to get out and vote on November 6. We need Joe Courtney!” Steven Archibald, East Hampton teacher

THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE ROSA DELAURO I support public education and believe we need to address the deep problems in our schools and do whatever it takes to make sure kids get the best education possible. Now is the time to increase our commitment to America’s public schools. We know the Trump-DeVos Department of Education thinks of education not as a public good but as a for-profit industry. As the top Democrat on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, I am committed to ensuring that our public school system has the resources it needs in order to keep class sizes manageable, improve teacher training and development, and provide for after-school programs and student loan forgiveness.” Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

“

“As a member of Hamden’s Legislative Council, I have seen, countless times, Rosa DeLauro’s commitment to the people of Connecticut. Rosa fights for working families and investing in people. Her dedication to education is unparalleled, and she is always on the side of students and professional educators. Vote your profession—vote Rosa DeLauro!” Mick McGarry, Fairfield teacher

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