Dearborn, MI – Seven superintendents from Michigan’s 15th District thanked Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) for his work on H.R. 1586, Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act Thursday.  The legislation provides an estimated $318 million to Michigan for the purpose of saving the jobs of 4,700 teachers in the State and 242 teachers in the 15th District.

“Thousands of teachers across Southeastern Michigan were pink-slipped this spring and summer at no fault of their own.  Like Michigan, many States have witnessed declining revenues resulting in adverse budget cuts for our schools, law enforcement, and other critical services.  Rather than face the possibility of class sizes of 40 or 50 students, Congress acted to help our students and our teachers,” Dingell said. “I agree with President Obama that investing in education will produce short term benefits for our economy and long term benefits for our nation, and I was proud to vote in favor of this important legislation.  It is my hope that the State of Michigan will act quickly so that our school districts have access to this funding sooner rather than later.”

The bill, which was passed by the House on Tuesday and signed into law by President Obama that same evening, will save and create American jobs—and is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes that allow corporations to ship American jobs overseas.  A new CNN poll released yesterday shows a majority of Americans – 60 percent to 38 percent – support this jobs legislation that will save the jobs of 161,000 teachers.

The superintendents met with the Congressman to discuss the federal investment as well as other issues facing them in the year ahead.
 

(from left to right): Sue Carnell, Westwood Schools Superintendent; Carl Weiss, Romulus Schools Superintendent; Kathy Merry, Wayne County RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency); Congressman Dingell; Brian Whiston, Dearborn Schools Superintendent; Beth Iverson, Taylor Schools Superintendent; Barb Lott, Woodhaven/Brownstown Schools Superintendent; Russ Pickell, Flat Rock Schools Superintendent.