By Scott Baldwine

April 4, 2011 6:24 AM | Link to this

The unions are the only group that have taken advantage of the taxpayer.The union workers are easily replaceable.Legislators are a higher tier with more specialized skills.Their salaries should not be reduced.

By Vetteman

April 4, 2011 6:27 AM | Link to this

Absolutely,those people are over paid for what they provide,and want to tell the commoners to do without.They are all a bunch of thugs,and should be treated as such.

By spinnies

April 4, 2011 6:35 AM | Link to this

$60K for a part time job - definitely need a reduction. As far as special skills, other than being elected (or appointed) and supposedly living in their district (Husted is the exception), legislators have no mandatory requirements

By Null

April 4, 2011 6:36 AM | Link to this

No because they have more risks and liabilities. They are just more important to society.

By Null

April 4, 2011 6:37 AM | Link to this

No because they have more risks and liabilities. They are just more important to society.

By Null

April 4, 2011 6:39 AM | Link to this

They have a most important job with risks and liabilities, so NO.

By Navin Johnson

April 4, 2011 6:42 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t mean anything, has no effect on the bottom line. It’s purely symbolic, but the unions love empty symbolic gestures.

By Save a billion first

April 4, 2011 6:44 AM | Link to this

Since there’re hundreds of thousands of part time union workers in teachers, definitely cut the teachers first.That will save billions. Legislators are elected by popular vote which is different.

By Mantis

April 4, 2011 6:44 AM | Link to this

Yes, definitely. Shared sacrifice!

By Save the billion

April 4, 2011 6:45 AM | Link to this

Since there’re hundreds of thousands of part time union workers in teachers, definitely cut the teachers first.That will save billions. Legislators are elected by popular vote which is different.

By Retired sgt

April 4, 2011 6:46 AM | Link to this

Yes, they should take the samed cuts they are asking everyone else to take. And Scott, legislators are not more highly skilled, they are elected to an office. There is no requirement for skills or training, just merely being elected.

By Retired sgt

April 4, 2011 6:49 AM | Link to this

Sorry for the typo

By RobUtter

April 4, 2011 6:49 AM | Link to this

The real offenders are the big union waste of billions.The important little legislators salaries will not save Ohio enough to be noticed.Unions are just t*t for tatting even though it is useless and mindless.

By Empty symbolic gesture

April 4, 2011 6:52 AM | Link to this

No they should not be cut because they were elected with those provisions, not hired.

By Fiscal difference

April 4, 2011 6:56 AM | Link to this

Cut the big offenders that will make a fiscal difference, the part time union teachers.

By Fiscal difference needed

April 4, 2011 6:57 AM | Link to this

Cut the big offenders that will make a fiscal difference, the part time union teachers.

By Fiscal difference needed

April 4, 2011 6:57 AM | Link to this

Cut the big offenders that will make a fiscal difference, the part time union teachers.

By Just obvious

April 4, 2011 7:00 AM | Link to this

The obvious problem is the teachers unions.they should be cut. The legislators are a grain of sand in the universe.

By Unions meaningless idea

April 4, 2011 7:05 AM | Link to this

Of course not.The unions are just on a witch hunt because they have ripped off the taxpayer so long, they cannot believe they are being stopped in their tracks. As unions die they will became even more vengeful to destroy everyone else.this is just union trouble rousing.

By Bottom line is unions

April 4, 2011 7:06 AM | Link to this

Of course not.The unions are just on a witch hunt because they have ripped off the taxpayer so long, they cannot believe they are being stopped in their tracks. As unions die they will became even more vengeful to destroy everyone else.this is just union trouble rousing.

By Common Sense

April 4, 2011 7:13 AM | Link to this

I’m with ya sarge. Highly skilled my azz. Elected or hired, either way you wanted the job. Lead by example, these folks are no better than the rest of society.

By Amazed

April 4, 2011 7:13 AM | Link to this

It always puzzled me as to how someone can become a career politician and end up a millionaire. They should be cut like everyone else and while they are at it cut all the entitlement programs. Seems to me the only ones not taking a hit is the welfare recipients. They are too busy driving their Escalades and selling their Payease Cards.

By Cut the fat

April 4, 2011 7:24 AM | Link to this

Cut everyone. Ohio is broke.Union employees first.

By Walter Stubbs

April 4, 2011 7:26 AM | Link to this

While I see no relevance in the job legislators do with the budget and the proposal to have them cut their own salaries, it might be a nice gesture. I am so worried about Obama and his schemes. His history with Acorn, his pulling in to his Admin. Cass Sunstein, his ties to Van Jones and George Soros. All bad people who think the govt can run our lives better than we can. They are anti-gun, pro-net neutrality, pro-fairness doctrine, pro-Govt. run healthcare, tax upon tax. I stand opposed to them and will vote against them hoping they will fail during the 2012 elections.

By Public employee

April 4, 2011 7:27 AM | Link to this

Welfare recipients need to share in this downturn. They cannot be immune forever.

By Another concernrd

April 4, 2011 7:31 AM | Link to this

To Walter Stubbs You are not alone.You need to expand your thinking to include all union members who have robbed groom the taxpayers and subsequently driven Ohio into bankruptcy.Obama would not be here if the unions had not put him here.

By Jaime Kenneth

April 4, 2011 7:38 AM | Link to this

The unions have had so much corruption in them. It is no wonder they were not respected. On a Federal level, I can’t believe the kind of President we have in our White House. This global warming is nothing but a fake. A means to create a controlling, taxing legislation to damage our coal and oil industries. Yes, I support being mindful of our ecology, but not to the extent Obama people do. It is time that WE THE PEOPLE tell George Soros to take a flying leap to damage another country and not ours. The media is now limiting the conservative views in support of the liberal agenda. So we must remember what Obama has done to us when election time comes.

By Frank N Germain

April 4, 2011 7:39 AM | Link to this

This thread is satire, right? YOU folks- arguing for LESS teachers? Just be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.

By Retired Sgt

April 4, 2011 8:19 AM | Link to this

Some here are thrusting this all on Unions. Lets put blame where it REALLY is deserved, entitlements. People on unemployment for 2 YEARS +, Welfare for years, SSI for people who are drug/alcohol dependent for YEARS, people living in government housing for YEARS. These things are meant to be temporary, yet many have embraced this helping hand as a lifestyle. Police, Firefighters and Paramedics, and the like have spent years working nights, weekends, holidays, in all climate and dangerous conditions to help the rest of you. They too pay taxes, along with into their retirement, and into their healthcare. They have agreed to furlough days, increase in HC payments, pay freezes, increase in retirement payments. They have also agreed to work longer, even though they know that by all statistics available, it shortens their life by anywhere between 7-10 years. And yet we still have people whining about their pensions. Let me tell you a little something about pensions. They get 60% TAXED pension. They dont get free HC, as some have said, they have to pay their own HC in retirement. If they worked a non-government job before or after retirement and are entitled to SS, they are penalized by Soc. Security because they draw a pension that they worked for, and will receive only 40% of the SS benefit that they are entitled to. Some of you people really need to READ some literature about the whole thing instead of listening to talking points from morons who have an agenda.

By Julie Mosher

April 4, 2011 8:34 AM | Link to this

Amen to retired sgt! There shouldn’t be any comments until you are INFORMED about both sides.

By Common Sense

April 4, 2011 8:34 AM | Link to this

Great post sarge. And kudos to Frank N Germain, well said.

By Stupidquestion

April 4, 2011 8:45 AM | Link to this

This whole question is merely DDNs approach to shut up union b -I-t-c-h-I-n-g.

By Stupidquestion

April 4, 2011 8:45 AM | Link to this

This whole question is merely DDNs approach to shut up union b -I-t-c-h-I-n-g.

By chuckles

April 4, 2011 8:46 AM | Link to this

O M G - and you wonder why people are leaving this community and state in droves. all one has to do is read these comments.

By Save $$$$$$$

April 4, 2011 8:47 AM | Link to this

I hope we get less public teachers.

By Save$$$

April 4, 2011 8:48 AM | Link to this

I hope we get less public teachers.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 8:53 AM | Link to this

Cut the fat! Cut part time teachers salaries in half.Stop welfare freebies like this. They are just wards of the state.Shut down public unions.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 8:53 AM | Link to this

Cut the fat! Cut part time teachers salaries in half.Stop welfare freebies like this. They are just wards of the state.Shut down public unions.

By Bill

April 4, 2011 9:05 AM | Link to this

It’s amazing to read comments of those who get all their info from fox news. Unions have worked with their Governments to pay their fair share and keep wages stabil. As a Union retiree I pay over $8000 a year for health insurance that are reduced in benifits. You WILL see education, police and fire protection suffer greatly under kasich. Unions did not put the Country in trouble, Wall St. DID!!!(with kasich)

By Bill

April 4, 2011 9:10 AM | Link to this

By all means State Legislators should feel the bite along with State Employees. They all work for the taxpayer so if one deserves lower wages they all do…and start at the TOP

By judi

April 4, 2011 9:33 AM | Link to this

WALTER and JAIME: I can see you are ignorant of the facts on unions, ACORN, this administration, and the budget deficit in general. The Repubs are simply all following the ALEC, one of Koch’s legislative “advisory” groups, and pulling the same stunts in several states. Walk away from CNN and FOX. Learn the facts. They are simply trying to irritate and blame ANYBODY but themselves. They created these states “deficits” by tax breaks for their corporate buddies. They are going after PP, Acorn, college students, blacks, seniors, the poor, hispanics, unions….just so they can discourage anybody from voting Dem. Their lies, smears, and general hatred of all things NOT RW are going to backfire.

By your mama

April 4, 2011 9:36 AM | Link to this

Funny, people were ok with Big Business and Auto Business CEO etc taking cuts in there salaries, because it was “fair” but now the same people argue it’s ok for state polticians to not take a cut?? Whuat? And did any of the same people read where the people Kasich hired got huge raises to join his admin? After he previously said that state jobs were to easy, cushy: now he says he has to offer better saleries to draw people from the private sector to take these previously labeled easy and cushy jobs? What a joke he is, this is NOT ABOUT THE BUDGET. But so far as this blog, any politician who votes against middle america, needs to take a pay cut.

By tds70

April 4, 2011 9:37 AM | Link to this

yes, same as everyone else. I never was in a union, so I can not comment on the comparisons as eloquently noted above. Forget about info from Fox news talking heads reading a script, on most if not all news casts controlled out of corp hq. Try to use the freedom of info act and find out exactly what benefits your lawmaker receives and make a judgement . All I can tell you is my premiums go up every year, benefits down( no eye or dental in latest cut) and the max I have to pay if a major health problem occurs goes up every year.) Bottom line don’t get sick and or don’t get old.

By judi wants a cracker

April 4, 2011 9:38 AM | Link to this

Here’s Judi again…Fox News…Fox News…Koch Brothers…Fox News…awk…awk, awk!!!

By heather cabot

April 4, 2011 9:45 AM | Link to this

rachel maddow will enlighten you, if you find yourself on the ignorant side of things

By Sacrifice Like We've Been Expected To Do

April 4, 2011 9:54 AM | Link to this

You bet they should! They wouldn’t think twice about rising every-day useage fees on anything they can think of and still tell you it’s not a tax increase. Nor would they reduce the amount of state gasoline tax to make it less onerous to move around this summer. Never think anyone employed by any department of government @ any level has any of your interests at heart. They are there to steal your income.

By my opinion

April 4, 2011 10:12 AM | Link to this

i feel kasich and his boys should pay their own medical. maybe then they could figure out where the money crisis is really at.

By laura

April 4, 2011 10:13 AM | Link to this

There is one idiot on here who keeps posting pretending to be 15 different people all against teachers. If you were half as informed as you think you are, you would get on next and apologize for being so mis-informed. When you go overboard and make ridiculous statements, you lose all credibility with intelligent people. And, yes, legislators who ask everyone else to make cuts should take cuts too, even if they are symbolic. In most cases, they have no more skills than a firefighter or police officer and less education than the average teacher. Unlike the newest scapegoats (police, fire fighters, teachers), there are no requirements whatsoever to be a legislator. Any idiot can apply for and sometimes get the job.

By Kelly

April 4, 2011 10:34 AM | Link to this

So which lower grade school do you teach at?Public, no doubt.

By Teaparty Lover/supporter

April 4, 2011 10:36 AM | Link to this

I hate all people except white bread rich and off course chamber of commerce members. all the rest especially police officers,(who are ignorant according to my wonderful governer)fire fighters and teachers who all are lazy and no good. Oh yeah I love my savior Jon kaisch.Tea party forever!

By More than one

April 4, 2011 10:37 AM | Link to this

We are against teacher UNIONS, not teachers.You wish that only one is against them.Try thousands, including your governor.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 10:40 AM | Link to this

You dogs of the union cannot expect anyone who pays taxes to continue to pay you. Feel in’ the change yet?

By Kelly

April 4, 2011 10:44 AM | Link to this

This comment section proves that unions just will not see what they are in our current economy. our schools and the taxpayer is out of money and they are the thieves who want more. Party time is over. Wait and see.Meanwhile, try to mature, since you are teaching young folk.

By Same ol posters, sos.

April 4, 2011 10:51 AM | Link to this

Yea, blame Fox, blame Kasich, blame Repubs just like your union tells you to do. Chant, yell, scream, call names, picket opponents residences, bring in hired attack dogs such as Jesse Jackson, Micheal Moore ect. to scream and point fingers. Do any of you lay any blame at the feet of your unions? Has any of your union officials taken pay cuts? Have your unions’s monetary support for any politicians decreased? No they increased while you took concessions. Ask the questions!! Why do I never see or hear where the rank and file ever publically questioned the union’s methods? I have had private conversations with union members, & its clear to me, they have some tough tough questions for the union, who they feel have sold them out to politicians for their own personal power and fortunes. No questioning why our previous governor who kicked the can down the road, while never really addressed Ohio’s budgetary issues? Its your money.

By Jack

April 4, 2011 10:53 AM | Link to this

Laura, you calling someone ignorant is like the pot calling the kettle black! By the federal definition of full-time, a Full-Time Equivalent is 2080 hours. Teachers, make $60k, $70k, and $80k for working less than 2080 or part-time. Teachers get off from June to August, two weeks at Christmas and a week off at Easter. Plus they are off for a host of federal holidays. If you think this is fair, I think you should look in the mirror to find that ignorance you talk about!

By null Grandma

April 4, 2011 11:02 AM | Link to this

To say that our elected officials are on a “higher tier” is ludicrious.Too much welfare for too long,too many hand outs,and too many lazy people is Ohio’s problem.

By null

April 4, 2011 11:03 AM | Link to this

Yes they should.. they might make 60,000 but they make anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 for every commitee they head up.. Look it up, its hard to find, you have to dig, they don’t want you to know but you can find it. Most of them make triple figures easy…You need nothing more than a high school education to be elected.. You only have to run and be elected.. You don’t need higher education or special skills to be a politician..

By dave

April 4, 2011 11:20 AM | Link to this

If anyone wants to look it up, the real drain on the budget is all the giveaway programs. I see people everyday that have 5,6 or more kids - no job, but the taxpayers are paying for their home, food, utilities and everything else. The governor has done a nice job of pitting people against state employees. Wish he would address the real issues.

By null

April 4, 2011 11:28 AM | Link to this

Agreed Dave that is something all taxpayers can agree on and should be on the chopping block first. too many lifers on welfare!!!!!

By dave

April 4, 2011 11:28 AM | Link to this

To teach in Ohio you have to have a master’s degree - 5 years of college and at least $80,000 from a state university. Then you have to deal with some kids and parents who have no value for education. You will start at around $33K and after 25 years experience make about 65K. If it is so easy and you can become so rich, why don’t more people do it?

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 11:38 AM | Link to this

SB5 was necessary to return the control of automatic union pay increases for public employees back to where it should be at: the taxpayer. My only comment is that no one pays my medical, or my retirement, and yet I’m supposed to support paying for automatic increases and 100% funded pensions? What world do you all live in? Most of us don’t have jobs, and those that do, are being asked to pay more and more and we are simply not able to do it. Its time the taxpayer has a way to say “NO” to these increases…and you all need to live within the means of the common worker. And the public officials that pass these budget cuts should take a cut themselves, to show solidarity.

By non-union

April 4, 2011 11:46 AM | Link to this

And just what are these supposed “risks and liabilities” and skills of legislators? Kasick wants to cut pay of public employees, lets start with him and his cronies. Symbolic, perhaps, but appropriate. I am not a union employee and never have been, but to demonize teachers and other public employees is ridiculous! They are not the cause of our economic problems. No wonder people are leaving this stupid state! I plan to take the thousands of dollars I pay every year in Ohio taxes out of here within the next two years.

By Paul Delician

April 4, 2011 11:48 AM | Link to this

@Dave Stop your lies.My sister does not have a masters degree and has taught 3 hrs in the city of Dayton? It is easy to see why unions are hated for falsehoods.

By Unions sweat in today!

April 4, 2011 11:51 AM | Link to this

Love all of this fake stuff you guys do. sounds like union geeks need a pacifier.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 12:00 PM | Link to this

Wow union guys, You lie!

By Politicians

April 4, 2011 12:01 PM | Link to this

All politicians are elected inept profiteers who produce nothing, regulate everything, and are well paid to do the preceeding. I suggest we all give them something productive to do. Release 3 goats into the statehouse chamber prior to the house/senate arriving for the days’ inactivity. Individually number the goats 1, 2, and 4 with dayglo orange paint. They’ll spend all of their time trying to locate number three, which will be much more productive than what we are witnessing now.

By Mark of a Leader

April 4, 2011 12:12 PM | Link to this

Be willing to do what you are asking your constituants to do. If not, be looking for other employment.

By Truth hurts Kelly

April 4, 2011 12:21 PM | Link to this

To Jack Thank you for accurate statistics about. The part time nature of teacher’s jobs. they are part timers stealing from all of us who pay taxes.

By @ Paul Delician

April 4, 2011 12:24 PM | Link to this

Teacher’s can start teaching with no masters, but to renew their certificate they MUST complete a masters. Dave is not lying - and your sister (or whoever) will have to finish a masters to get a renewal certificate. Plain and simple. And new teachers graduating now come out of school just shy of having completed their masters already.

By Thank you Jack for stats

April 4, 2011 12:26 PM | Link to this

Read Jack’s comment above proving teachers are part timers.

By Hmmmm.....

April 4, 2011 12:35 PM | Link to this

If teacing is so easy and lucrative, then why are all of you sitting on your computers complaining instead of rushing out to the nearest teaching college, obtaining a teaching degree, and reaping some of the benefits of being a teacher? If teaching were so wonderful then more people would be doing it. Explain it to me…..because all you do is belittle teachers. Am I to assume that none of you attended schools and that everything you know you were born knowing? I really don’t get it. I guess it is simply ignorance?

By What?

April 4, 2011 12:46 PM | Link to this

More specialized than Teachers, firefighters, or teachers? Give me a break. They should pay into the PERS and recieve the same benefits they are about to shove down the throats of other public employees. Further more they should have to go directly to the tax payers for raises!

By To hmmmmmmm

April 4, 2011 12:48 PM | Link to this

Why are you being paid to teach while spending time on the DDN?

By Buz

April 4, 2011 1:07 PM | Link to this

My guess is there would be a lot less belly-aching by legislators regarding a pay cut than the whining other state employees are providing us. The legislature has a thankless job fixing what it’s predecessors and earlier governors (and what we taxpayers have permitted) have done to us. They earn every dollar they make.

By American Made

April 4, 2011 1:10 PM | Link to this

Re: comment @ 819am from Retired Sgt. BRAVO!!! Very well said; and I couldn’t agree with you more. And why are people posting their comments multiple times? And I also agree with another poster on here - it’s very obvious that one person is commenting under several different names. Making the same grammar & spelling errors on them all. Lol.

By Null

April 4, 2011 1:14 PM | Link to this

I did the research and Dave is wrong about the masters degree and yes teachers are part timeRs.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 1:22 PM | Link to this

Stop the union whining.This post shows where the problem is: UNION GREED

By K to investigate

April 4, 2011 1:27 PM | Link to this

I am most interested in all these teachers on this post when they are on the taxpayers money. Most obviously these are union teachers writing.

By K to investigate

April 4, 2011 1:27 PM | Link to this

I am most interested in all these teachers on this post when they are on the taxpayers money. Most obviously these are union teachers writing.

By K to investigate

April 4, 2011 1:27 PM | Link to this

I am most interested in all these teachers on this post when they are on the taxpayers money. Most obviously these are union teachers writing.

By Retired Sgt

April 4, 2011 1:28 PM | Link to this

In defense of teachers: Some here have laid claim that teachers only work a part time job. This is a misnomer. Teachers work on the average 53 hours per week. This includes grading papers, parent teacher conferences, classroom prep etc. While they do have summers off, it is not the ENTIRE summer. It is generally 5 weeks. With breaks included, Teachers work about 40 weeks per yr, but 53 hours/wk (13 uncompensated). By my calculations, that comes out to about 2120 hours per year. 140 over what is considered FT. All that with a starting salary of around 35k, and a requirement of a 4 yr degree, with many districts requiring the addition of a Masters within a certain time period. Again, you might want to actually READ some literature before you start spouting off about wages, working conditions.

By Jimmy Rostinelli

April 4, 2011 1:34 PM | Link to this

The state and fed. govt. should sacrifice a bit with their pay as they cut these budgets. On a fed. level I want to keep military funds up, take care of our elderly, starve the healthcare bill, cut that global ecology bull down to no finances until they come back to their senses. The EPA does not need to fine companies so heavily that are giving people jobs. Changing to less polutive means is a transformation. The Muslim garbage is out in my book. I don’t believe in their false God and believe the only name by which we may be saved is Jesus Christ. I believe that within these Mosques they plot to bring death and terror to Americans. If we are too stupid to have intelligence looking into this, we may pay in the long run.

By non-union

April 4, 2011 2:01 PM | Link to this

Great info Sarge! Where did null do his research, Glen Beck? Teachers in Ohio must get their Masters within ten years. BTW, I am non-union and not a teacher. My daughter is a teacher and it is certainly NOT a part-time job. Teachers also buy a lot of supplies out of their own pockets because there isn’t money in school budgets for anything beyond the basics, and sometimes not even basics. Ohio will not get out of the economic crisi if it doesn’t support education and educators.

By To Sgt

April 4, 2011 2:03 PM | Link to this

Craaaaaaaaaappppppp!!!!!!!

By TEACHER

April 4, 2011 2:29 PM | Link to this

The Sarge is exactly correct. He has done his homework. Most here wouldn’t know a fact if it smacked them across the face. I love how some of the people here bash teachers, yet take a look at their spelling and grammar. I doubt many here actually pay any taxes.

By somethingroyal

April 4, 2011 2:32 PM | Link to this

these posts are really sad. Before Kasich, the teacher could be your neighbor with two kids, three doors down, whom you wave to on occasion. The firefighter lives behind you and may one day drag you or a loved one from your burning home, having awoken to the smell of smoke with the instinct only a firefighter can have. The old man across the street? He retired from the State after surviving 30 years as a corrections officer tolerating more be ess than you have ever seen. The quiet guy at the corner, lives in overalls, hustles garbage totes all day long. But look, after Kasich, none of that matters, because so long as we can attack somebody for who they are or what they do for a living, than it matters not who your neighbor is, because it’s the selfish, self-centered, greedy, finger-pointing american way to ignore what’s right in the long run, (job creation and other economic stimulus) so we can pretend we know in the short run.(attack public workers because have they have more than me?) Public workers are people too, they pay taxes, they work a full day, they do a good job. They have and still do make concessions.

By Leslie

April 4, 2011 2:37 PM | Link to this

The state of Ohio has changed the requirement for all teachers renewing their five-year professional licenses. Whereas, before, teachers were required to earn their Master’s degree to renew their license, now they are exempt from this rule. Teachers must now simply complete six college credits (essentially two graduate level courses) or the equivalent professional development hours. This change makes the requirements to renew a 5-year license the same as initially applying for that license.

By Alleycat

April 4, 2011 2:38 PM | Link to this

Crrrraaaaaaaaappppp!

By Love ya Kasich

April 4, 2011 2:43 PM | Link to this

Kasich will save millions and millions over the duration of his administration by stopping union greed.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 2:52 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, but just because you are a teacher, or firefighter, or whatever public servant in Ohio, doesn’t mean the taxpayers should be forced without a voice to pay for automatic pay increases, 100% retirement funding, and 100% medical. The rest of us are having to do with less and less, the same for the public worker, who we pay. WE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO PAY THE SALARIES- THEY WORK FOR US. And until everyone realizes that Ohio is flat broke, and can’t afford any excesses at any level, this is a moot argument. I work 65-70 hours a week, and I don’t have all those bennies, so don’t cry about how teachers are so poor. The BEST thing Kasich did was level the playing field now so that the decision wether to pay on merit is done at the local level, and not because Joe Blow pays his union dues and by default gets a raise. That goes for teachers, also.

By K@to investigate

April 4, 2011 2:56 PM | Link to this

Thank you Leslie.The teachers on this blog tend to sway from the truth repeatedly apparently to mislead and misguide the voters.Serious issues to fabricate for personal gain.

By rhonda

April 4, 2011 2:57 PM | Link to this

Yes! I believe Ohio Legislators should also take a cut. Government workers have did not get a cost of living increase this year. We have state legislators, US Rep and Senators goofing off forcing cuts down on everyone. I have yet to hear them say we will also share in the cuts. Kaisch has done nothing good for Ohio and he especially should take a cut. I am very disappointed with his performance so far.

By rhonda

April 4, 2011 2:59 PM | Link to this

Yes! I believe Ohio Legislators should also take a cut. Government workers have did not get a cost of living increase this year. We have state legislators, US Rep and Senators goofing off forcing cuts down on everyone. I have yet to hear them say we will also share in the cuts. Kaisch has done nothing good for Ohio and he especially should take a cut. I am very disappointed with his performance so far. He is another George Bush. When Bush took office the budget was balanced and in 8 years we have become trillions of dollars in debt.

By WR

April 4, 2011 3:02 PM | Link to this

At least for once the unions lies are out in the open.What kind of games are you playing now? Make up the state requirements to suit your personal agenda.This approach is not sustainable.there is a reason levies fail. This kind of quasi criminal approach to deliberately mislead the public.Union thugs will be stopped.

By rhonda

April 4, 2011 3:03 PM | Link to this

People forget that when Bush took office we had a balanced budget. In 8 years we were trillions of dollars in debt. People expect Obama to turn the world around with a snap of his fingers.

By isis

April 4, 2011 3:05 PM | Link to this

@ chipchick 100% retirement ???? 100% medical ???? Really, On what Planet ?? All what bennies? Auto pay raises? Haven’t seen a raise in 4 years, how about you? Merit pay? Haven’t seen it. COLA raise? Forget it. I challenge you to a comparison any time. Why force the budget blame on the unions? Get educated before you speak. Before Kasich, no one said a word about Unions. Now it’s blame people, no matter what it means to you, even we work FOR YOU! Oh yeah, without US paying taxes, where would YOU be?

By Not voted

April 4, 2011 3:09 PM | Link to this

Yes, they give themselves their own pay raises. Their salaries and any pay increases should be voted on by the public!!!!!!!!!!

By Retired Sgt

April 4, 2011 3:11 PM | Link to this

What is this “Automatic pay increases without representation” BS? Your Representation is your elected legislators who have negotiated with the bargaining units for a CONTRACT. These increases in pay are Contractual, negotiated by your REPRESENTATIVE. As I have said before, Govt employees have taken furlough days, increase in HC payment, increase in retirement payment, working longer to get to retire, decrease in holiday pay, and pay freezes already. They have made concessions. In fact, they are at the pay scale now of 2005. WTF do you people want? They cant strike like their private corporation counterparts and the only thing that they had to keep it on a level playing field was a neutral arbitor who would decide who has the most fair contract, when both sides couldnt agree. As I have said before, the system needed to be revamped where the arbitor had more power to arrange the contract, instead of choosing which one was more fair. You people complain about pay etc, but you wouldnt want to do the job you ask these people to do for the pay you expect them to earn for what they do. Truly mind numbed imbeciles…

By Thank you Chip

April 4, 2011 3:11 PM | Link to this

I agree.We pay the freight. Enough already.The taxpayers have spoken.turn out the lights on the union rape of Ohio

By ToChip

April 4, 2011 3:12 PM | Link to this

I agree.We pay the freight. Enough already.The taxpayers have spoken.turn out the lights on the union rape of Ohio

By Thanks Chip

April 4, 2011 3:13 PM | Link to this

I agree.We pay the freight. Enough already.The taxpayers have spoken.turn out the lights on the union rape of Ohio

By Elizabethgaven

April 4, 2011 3:18 PM | Link to this

These union supporters are so hate filled and mean.They do not stick to truth either.They must blog all day while kids teach themselves.At least that keeps the teachers off of illicit Internet relationships like they normally do.

By nancy grace

April 4, 2011 3:20 PM | Link to this

thank you retired sgt, that’s EXACTLY it. people no longer think for themselves or even use common sense.

By To ret sgt

April 4, 2011 3:23 PM | Link to this

I will pray for you. How wrong and twisted. You are a neurotic sad human.

By @retiredsgt

April 4, 2011 3:25 PM | Link to this

I will pray for you. How wrong and twisted. You are a neurotic sad human.

By Retired Sgt

April 4, 2011 3:30 PM | Link to this

@to ret sgt: I see that when you can’t defeat the facts, you come up with posts like this…and you still can’t figure out how to post it just once…

By nailed it

April 4, 2011 3:37 PM | Link to this

sgt hit it exactly on the head. I dare any of you to prove him wrong. As a retired firefighter, I can tell you he is absolutely correct in the concessions made and how the system works. Most of you here have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Especially that chip person. No way is there 100% retirement and 100% medical. Retirees pay for their medical without any govt assistance (unlike most here that are probably on Govt assistance) and only get 60% if they work the minimum amount of time to retire. I dont know from what planet some of you live on or what you are smoking. Thanks sgt for telling it how it is.

By Leslie

April 4, 2011 3:47 PM | Link to this

Our local elected officials are easily intimidated and bullied by the union reps. Unions have passed their time like horse and buggy. Or as Obama likes past their time like cars. Like fossil fuels. We are going into the 21st century, with clean energy and government loves us all yellow, red, black, brown, and white. Government is so good we don’t need no stinking unions no more.

By Leslie=Squirrel girl

April 4, 2011 3:51 PM | Link to this

You have been outed

By gov't worker

April 4, 2011 4:37 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with Retired Sgt and Something Royal. I am a gov’t worker - not a teacher, firefighter or police officer. We have been taking concessions in our Union contracts for the past 10 years. Little bit by little bit it has been taken away from us. We have not had a pay raise in two years with the possibility of going another 2 years without one even though our benefit costs have been rising. Everyone has a different story. I just don’t like when people lump everyone into the same pot and say we make too much money. Not the case here. I know that I work hard for my money. Now that there will be no unions - ha ha - I guess it just means that the government has given them the right to take more and more away from us. Now I totally understand why people say they will take their tax dollars elsewhere. For the teachers, firefighters and policemen - thank you for your service. I support you.

By Laura

April 4, 2011 4:45 PM | Link to this

Yes ALL GOVERNMENT should take a pay reduction. Our elected officials who get pensions for serving as a congressman or senator And if Obama care is so great they need to be part of that also instead of the Premium health care they receive. Maybe a grassroots effort to make those who promised to fix our Government by putting them on Obama Care would light a fire under them

By Eric Shun

April 4, 2011 5:01 PM | Link to this

I get tired of the pandering to workers such as Police and Firefighters. They act like they do it for us, and not b/c they get a paycheck. If you won’t want to work weekends, holidays, and evenings, don’t take the job. It comes with it, nothing heroic about it. Plenty of people work odd hours and it benefits everyone too, quit kissing their rear-ends,they’re not any different.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 5:01 PM | Link to this

So you don’t agree with me and that makes me ignorant? How stupid is that. I’ll repeat myself here: “The BEST thing Kasich did was level the playing field now so that the decision wether to pay on merit is done at the local level, and not because Joe Blow pays his union dues and by default gets a raise.” I work in private industry, I’ve not had a raise in 2 years, and my medical has one up. I pay for all of it so basically the Great Recession is still ongoing for me. If I were a public servant, I would not be expecting the private sector (taxpayers) to fund my benefits at a greater amount than the private sector. And I’d not expect to hand my union dues to a union coordinator, who turns around and spends them to work against the taxpayer who is paying their bills! So let’s get real here - the problem is that Ohio is out of money. There is no room for mandatory pay increases for anyone until the budget is balanced, and that is going to take shared sacrafice by everyone, not just the taxpayer. If some of you see this as a stupid suggestion, then you need to look no further than your own finances where you expect the federal gov’t to fund your mortgage by giving you a mortgage interest tax break each year. That is going to go away too, just you wait and see. And its not a ‘union’ issue then, is it?

By Let the good times and money roll

April 4, 2011 5:01 PM | Link to this

Not only did Kasich not cut his office’s paychecks, he increased them, including creating new jobs. There is nothing magical about being elected. Legislators name their own salaries, and all of you anti-working family lunatics are demonstrating how irrational and hypocritical you are.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 5:12 PM | Link to this

So you don’t agree with me and that makes me ignorant? How stupid is that – no wonder America is in such trouble. The only tolerance for opposing thought is if its favorable towards a union? I’ll repeat myself here: “The BEST thing Kasich did was level the playing field now so that the decision whether to pay on merit is done at the local level, and not because Joe Blow pays his union dues and by default gets a raise.” I work in private industry, I’ve not had a raise in 2 years, and my medical has gone up every single year - sometimes by double digits. I pay for all of it so basically the Great Recession is still ongoing for me. I’m fortunate I have a job. If I were a public servant, I would not be expecting the private sector (taxpayers) to fund my benefits at a greater amount than the private sector just because I was a public employee and unionized. I don’t care how crappy the work is – you choose what field you want to work in or chose by default to not work – but you choose nonetheless! And I’d not expect to hand my union dues to a union representative, who turns around and uses them to work against the taxpayer by lobbying against those who are paying their bills! And then strike (hold hostage) whole communities because of a 1-2% raise and having to pay 8% more on medical costs. So let’s get real here - the problem is that Ohio is out of money. There is no room for mandatory pay increases for anyone until the budget is balanced, and that is going to take shared sacrifice by everyone, not just the taxpayer. There is no room for striking by a public employee. You can go find a job elsewhere if you are that unhappy.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 5:12 PM | Link to this

So you don’t agree with me and that makes me ignorant? How stupid is that – no wonder America is in such trouble. The only tolerance for opposing thought is if its favorable towards a union? I’ll repeat myself here: “The BEST thing Kasich did was level the playing field now so that the decision whether to pay on merit is done at the local level, and not because Joe Blow pays his union dues and by default gets a raise.” I work in private industry, I’ve not had a raise in 2 years, and my medical has gone up every single year - sometimes by double digits. I pay for all of it so basically the Great Recession is still ongoing for me. I’m fortunate I have a job. If I were a public servant, I would not be expecting the private sector (taxpayers) to fund my benefits at a greater amount than the private sector just because I was a public employee and unionized. I don’t care how crappy the work is – you choose what field you want to work in or chose by default to not work – but you choose nonetheless! And I’d not expect to hand my union dues to a union representative, who turns around and uses them to work against the taxpayer by lobbying against those who are paying their bills! And then strike (hold hostage) whole communities because of a 1-2% raise and having to pay 8% more on medical costs. So let’s get real here - the problem is that Ohio is out of money. There is no room for mandatory pay increases for anyone until the budget is balanced, and that is going to take shared sacrifice by everyone, not just the taxpayer. There is no room for striking by a public employee. You can go find a job elsewhere if you are that unhappy.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 5:14 PM | Link to this

“anti-working family lunatics are demonstrating how irrational and hypocritical you are.” No, its anti-union. That’s a lot different than “anti-working family”. The hypocrisy is that a lot of working families do not rely on union jobs and do not have the same benefits as their union counterparts. And yet, they pay for it through their tax dollars.

By Chipchick

April 4, 2011 5:16 PM | Link to this

Watch out, if you click “Post comment” too many times, your comments get reposted numerous times. I’m getting a “server error” so DDN is having traffic problems on this blog. Its not because any of the people posting here are ignorant as some of you are suggesting. LOL.

By @ Elizabethgaven

April 4, 2011 5:18 PM | Link to this

Seriously????

By willBill

April 4, 2011 5:25 PM | Link to this

Is it about doing the right thing? Is it about setting the example?Is it about saving the taxpayers money?YES But it will never happen cause the fox is in the hen house and they can’t pluck enough off the taxpayers

By Sid

April 4, 2011 5:26 PM | Link to this

Mr Rankins are you really serious? More taxes? Ihave been gainfully employed for 37 years. I have supported people who have lived on goverment assitance their whole life and am now supporting their kids and grandkids. I am about to lose my unemplyment benefits. Do you think I am going to get the same benefits they have recieved all the years? I can tell you absoutely not. I will lose everything I have worked all these years for. I feel like I am being penalized because I had the gumpson to want to pay my own way. If they need to cut money then they need to seriously over haul public assitance. If you can’t afford to support that first child then you need to be on court ordered birth control. These people actually live better than I do after working all my life. Pay more taxes, how do you expect people to survive in this economy? Wether the polictions were voted in at their present wage should have no bearing. They should buckle down and take what they dish out. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander!

By TeaParty Supporter

April 4, 2011 5:39 PM | Link to this

I hate unions, police officers, firefighters and teachers…I only believe in me my militia and my friends in the KKK and John Kaisch.Down with everyone but me..I can home school my kids, put out fires on my own and of course I dont need any “idiot”police officers just like my wonderful governer. TEA PARTY forever

By TeaParty Supporter

April 4, 2011 5:43 PM | Link to this

I hate unions, police officers, firefighters and teachers…I only believe in me my militia and my friends in the KKK and John Kaisch.Down with everyone but me..I can home school my kids, put out fires on my own and of course I dont need any “idiot”police officers just like my wonderful governer. TEA PARTY forever

By Yes to WillBill

April 4, 2011 7:10 PM | Link to this

The fox is in the hen house.For the first time in my life of32 years I realize why my parents found blue collar union workers agnostic.I received a medical degree and have debt and more.These union people are riding a float boat everyday compared to the medical profession and my parents, who are self employed.These union people only want more as society receives less from them.Reading this complaining in the DDN says it all.

By To Sid

April 4, 2011 7:15 PM | Link to this

Good idea about court ordered birth control, but the Dems will never allow it.That would destroy their voting base.

By Civil Servant

April 4, 2011 7:43 PM | Link to this

If you think we’ve got it sooo fantastic, then why don’t you all try applying for civil service jobs? Let’s see how you handle the increased workload! It’s a fantastic job for those who like to burn the candle at both ends, have people lie to you on paper/to your face/over phone, have people loathe you for simply doing your job, and have people take out their disdain of state policy/guidelines out on you simply because you’re the one right in front of them instead of the Governor. If we have it soo swell, why haven’t any of you attempted employment right along with us?

By Bill

April 4, 2011 8:45 PM | Link to this

It’s fine for the mega corps to give millions of $$ to get the will of the politicians( kasich is more than for sale) but let working people contribute to get one’s ear and they should be belittled? Some of you need to get you head out of lardballs butt

By Philman

April 4, 2011 9:01 PM | Link to this

It’s congress that got in this Mess, let them help fix it with their pay cuts & increased iNSURANCE PREMIUMS.EVEN THOUGH IT WAS dEMOCRATS THAT HAVE RAISED pUBLIC WORKERS PAY TO UNSUSTANIBLE LEVELS( THAT INCREASED THE UNION DUES) AND THE UNIONS TOOK THAT MONEY AND SPENT IT ON ELECTING MORE DEMOCRATS,OBAMA WOULD HAVE YOU BELIVE CORPORATIONS SPENT MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE ON ELECTIONS, BUT THE TRUTH IS UNIONS SPENT THE MOST, TALK ABOUT SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS.

By @Jane

April 4, 2011 9:47 PM | Link to this

And what does your comment have to do with DDNs question? Sounds like a neurotic union teacher geek who looks for any opportunity to transfer responsibility away from the holier than thou teacher. Still wondering about legislatures salaries.

By @Jane

April 4, 2011 9:48 PM | Link to this

And what does your comment have to do with DDNs question? Sounds like a neurotic union teacher geek who looks for any opportunity to transfer responsibility away from the holier than thou teacher. Still wondering about legislatures salaries.

By K2investigate

April 4, 2011 9:56 PM | Link to this

To Jane So quit your teaching job.Any teacher who blames parents and pokes insults at the clothing of students will never get a merit raise.This is an example of why tenure is leaving.Worrying and talking about student clothing is what we want to eliminate.

By Teacher of nothing

April 4, 2011 10:05 PM | Link to this

Hey I have an idea.Since I am an overpaid teacher and taxpayers are done funding my wasteful life, who can I blame for everyone figuring out that I am abusive.Bingo! Parents! The universal pin cushion.Everyone had em so lay it on them. Why not? We have done this all of our lives.Perfect scape goat!

By Teacher of nothing

April 4, 2011 10:05 PM | Link to this

Hey I have an idea.Since I am an overpaid teacher and taxpayers are done funding my wasteful life, who can I blame for everyone figuring out that I am abusive.Bingo! Parents! The universal pin cushion.Everyone had em so lay it on them. Why not? We have done this all of our lives.Perfect scape goat!

By Wow

April 4, 2011 10:05 PM | Link to this

Many of you need to realize that your crazy Democratic / Republican rants are so out there that any reasonable person will just ignore you. Nothing is black or white anymore, and many here have completely failed to see gray. Teachers work hard (as do other public employees) and I’m sure many don’t know how their benefits are negociated - they just know someone comes in, tells them about thier contract, and asks them to vote. Probably many of them really don’t know where their Union dues go either (in terms of donations to political organizations). I do taxes, and most of you would be surprised how LITTLE of their dollars actually wind up in political campaigns. It is a pittance compared to what the average corporation puts up during every election cycle. That being said, how many of you know where every dollar you spend on products or donate goes? You would probably be shocked if you knew where your dollars ended up. Since teachers, firefighters, police and such are so easy to replace we should just fire them all and replace them with all of you (at their soon to be much lower salaries, of course.) How many of you could honestly say you want to teach? And how many would actually do it once you were in the room with 30 some odd holligans (and having to deal with their entitled hooligan / criminal parnets?) Or how many want to patrol the West side of Dayton? Not I. I don’t envy teachers / police officers / firefighters / city sewage workers one bit - and I am glad they do what they do so I don’t have to.

By @wow

April 4, 2011 10:08 PM | Link to this

Unadulterated Dem lib B………………………………….s.

By To @wow

April 4, 2011 10:21 PM | Link to this

What? I love it that you would assume to know my political affiliations……or whatever it is that you are implying. I just think it is very short-sighted to “Throw out the baby with the bath water ” and then everyone will b*h and moan when there aren’t enough teachers (beacuse no one is dumb enough to go to school to be one) or there are houes burning down because of less firestation staffing, or when it takes hours for the police to show up because they have other stuff to do and there are not enough of them. I have suggested everything be privatized - then people can pay MUCH lower taxes, but they can pay for schools, fire and police protection, and all the other city / county / state services out of pocket. How does that sound? That would eliminate everyone’s complaining - but it would lead to the whole supply and demand thing….. and you know how it would work if everything was private and for-profit - police or fire go to the wealthy housefire / crime first because they have the most $ to pay them) and schools would be much better - but also much more expensive. People want all these services ‘free’ - but they fail to realize fire / police protection, education, city / county / state services are not free.

By Branik

April 5, 2011 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hell freaking yes.

By Jack Knows Nothing

April 5, 2011 4:25 AM | Link to this

The guy named “Jack” in this thread that claims teachers don’t work full-time does not know what he is talking about. Of course this is the typical misinformation you can expect from the anti-union crowd. The federal government does not make the determination whether an employee is considered “full-time”, the employers do. There are stipulations around 40 hour work weeks but a 40 hour week 52 weeks per year does not define a full-time employee.

By R U Kidding Me

April 5, 2011 6:41 AM | Link to this

Why of course legislators should take the same haircut they give to state workers and the union creeps. If they didn’t they’d all look like the same “give-me” and taker democrats this country needs to beat down in order to survive.

By Caden Lutes

April 5, 2011 6:41 AM | Link to this

These legislators could handle a 3 percent cut. I just don’t want to see the elderly or sick suffer because of the budget cuts. With the federal budget, cutting the budget may be the only thing that protects us from the freedom sucking healthcare bill Obama has going even though the court ordered it stopped. A President the worked for Acorn, hired Cass Sunstein, associated with Van Jones, had a radical anti-American Pastor, Jerimiah Wright, what can we expect? He is blocking oil pumping in the gulf when other countries are out there (out in open water) drilling. We need to get our own sources going so the Arabs will bring their prices down. As for the Islamists, our Holy Bible was inspired by God through those close to him. The Koran was written by a false God who tells his Muslim followers to kill the infedels such as the Western Americans and the Jewish of Israel. The real God is Jesus Christ.

By You fools!

April 5, 2011 8:15 AM | Link to this

The President of Ohio State, a non-union public employee, makes over a million dollars and you idiots are calling teachers’ unions greedy? Incredible!

By Jack

April 5, 2011 8:46 AM | Link to this

Sarge, you are full of kitty litter squeeze! Just where do you get the statistic that teachers work an average of 54 hours per week? Make it up did you? Look at the “Buckeye Insitute” website which states that teachers work 7 HRS per day. That is borne out by some t3eachers are home by 3:00pm or 3:30pm. So your saying that teachers work an extra 5 hours per night Mon thru Fri! Bull Hockey! Your credibility just dropped several notches with this one!

By lou

April 5, 2011 9:02 AM | Link to this

Save Ohio billons? Not really because that just means that people are making billions less and won’t be spending that money. It will cost billions in lost business

By @Jack

April 5, 2011 9:03 AM | Link to this

I’m a former teacher - my contracted day was 7.5 hours per day. I almost always worked an additional 30 -45 minutes per day at home or before / after school at the school. Teachers should just take their pay over the 9 months they work, then everyone would stop whining how they get paid for not working. (They have that option, but many take the 26 pay option to make budgeting easier.)

By Squirrellygirl

April 5, 2011 9:04 AM | Link to this

So…are we tax payers paying for all of you union people to ride buses to Columbus to protest? Right. Y’all got your fake teacher doctor notes to excuse you from work so that the taxpayers can pay you while you are protesting how bad we are as bosses? Unions are death to America. They stand with radicals, progressives, socialists, and communists to create chaos around the world and here in America. Unions are destroying our economy intentionally (see Union Leader Lerner’s comments at a NY meeting where Francis Piven (of “Cloward and Piven” also spoke of economical sabotage). I think it would be a nice gesture to cut OH legislators’ salaries, but the real savings will come with kicking the nasty thug unions on their butts. Why don’t you ask these unions what they want to change our country from free capitalistism into? Into WHAT? China? Venezuela? Obama has his finger on shutting down our internet, and they want to regulate the internet like they would a utility…going around our laws. Same thing with shutting down certain news networks—I think Obama and his chicago thug czars forgot they were in AMERICA, where soldiers died for us to be free from that crap. Americans will make a decision next November, and if they make the wrong decision, we will all pay for it. Meanwhile you and I are paying for these union thugs to plan and initiate these “days of rage” and the socialism in our schools to indoctrinate our impressionable children to join in. It’s time for good citizens of America to stand up against Socialism and stand against the unions that seek to destroy our freedom. You can start by standing behind those good reps who are actually doing their jobs to cut spending.

By Quit being Tools and Fools

April 5, 2011 9:15 AM | Link to this

Public sector and private sector workers at each others throats…priceless…just the way the unions, lawyers and politicians have framed the argument. Independent research will show you that our politicians, lawyers and unions are responsible for these problems, and have no real intention of being the real solution to the problems we all face. Make no mistake, politicians, lawyers and unions both look at its citizens as obstacles and have been screwing us for decades, just to increase their power and income. They want people pointing fingers at one other, while they refuse to address the real issues, unless they can spin and manipulate it for their own benefit. Union people, ask your union why they fell asleep at the wheel, and also ask your politicians, why they can’t seem to take any fiscal responsibility. I wouldn’t want to be a teacher in this day and age. There are great, dedicated teachers out there, who are powerless to change situtation that have screamed for change for years. Until the people realize, and you have to be hopeful someday they will, the system has been broken, and the ones who broke it, shouldn’t be the ones we look to to fix it, because they never actually will, a patch here, a patch there, and let it be someone else’s problem to really correct it. You have to ask yourselves, what are the ultimate goals, what is needed in the short term and long term. The tail has to stop wagging the dog. Pointing fingers at each other in the posts accomplishes nothing. Do you really think you are going to change someone’s opinion by insulting and name calling? What a friggin’ waste of valuable time when there is so much to do.

By Retired Sgt

April 5, 2011 9:26 AM | Link to this

@Jack- I will try to explain this again for you. It is 53, not 54 hours per week on an average that teachers work. Now, keep in mind, at the higher levels it will be slightly more, while at the lower levels it will be slightly less than that 53. It is also taking into account the normal class sizes too. On the average, teachers work 53 hours per week. It includes prep time be fore classes begin, class time, advisory time (during school), special duty time (lunch periods etc.), after class administrative duties, and then you have the uncompensateds (Parent teacher conferences, grading of papers, etc.). This equates to an average of an additional 2.6 hours per work day. Multiplied by 5, this equals 13. Thus 53 hours per work week. Now, having read your posts for over 2 years now, I realize simple math might elude you, but that is about as simplistic as I can make it for you to grasp the concept.

By Retired Sgt

April 5, 2011 9:32 AM | Link to this

Squirrelly, really? This is exactly the reason why people must get their news from various sources, both right and left leaning, to find the truth in the middle. When you listen to only one source, as obviously Squirrelly does, as do some others here, you get only one side. Reach out your minds and think for yourselves instead of listening to what some talking head says, then parrot their thoughts. If you do that, you have no mind at all…

By Old Teach

April 5, 2011 9:49 AM | Link to this

I like the Sgt. I have seen him roll to the right on some issues, and to the left. Not afraid to take on Republicans or Democrats. That is someone who takes a look at an issue and looks at it fairly. Great post! You are exactly correct, Middle and High School teachers tend to spend around 55 to 56 hours per week working, while Elementary School teacher a little less than 53. People just dont understand what it takes to be a teacher, and the requirements for maintaining the teaching certificate. Additionally, they are looking at the top pay (teachers who have been in the system 20 years +) instead of the $35,000 teacher at teh bottom, paying off school loans for their 4 year degree. I am glad we have a few people here that actually can comprehend complex issues!

By Patti

April 5, 2011 10:16 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Lou, for the most relevant comment. Kasich would rather pay himself first, and then consultants before constituents. It’s a war on jobs.

By Jack

April 5, 2011 1:03 PM | Link to this

Sarge, your so full of bull stuffing you are going to blow up. Because you have a comprehension problem, I will ask again, WHERE DO YOU GET THESE STATS? Are these your casual observations (indicating bull hockey) or are you quoting some yet to be revealed source? I again refer you to the Buckeye Intsitues website which indicates teachers work 7 hours per day and 183 days per year. You’re lying, I know you’re lying, and all those who read your nonsense know you’re lying, except other union members!

By Teacher

April 5, 2011 5:16 PM | Link to this

Buckeye Institute is wrong. I work 7.5 contracted hours per day. Is they Buckeye Institute a neutral group? Where do their numbers come from? Not my district.

By SteveB

April 5, 2011 6:46 PM | Link to this

Chipchick, it’s not that you’re ignorant because someone disagrees with you: You’re ignorant because your facts are false. Find me ONE public employee who has their healthcare & retirement 100% paid for, as you claim. The public-sector union contracts are all a matter of public record. You merely have to rise off your blessed ASSurances and look up the information for yourself. Between increased costs and loss of pay, I’ve agreed to a 20% decrease in income over the past two years. I have a college degree; I do a job that requires college; My gross income last year was about $31,000, below what I would make in the private sector. In exchange for what I’ve given up, I get to contribute to a pension plan (in place of Social Security, which I’m excluded from), I get to pay more for my health insurance than SB5 would require, and I get to see my management make decisions that are shockingly illogical. Managers aren’t in a union, by the way. So, Chipchick, rest assured: It’s not your opinions that are the problem, it’s your falsehoods.

By Chipchick

April 7, 2011 11:28 AM | Link to this

(Un)fortunately, you are just joining the rest of the working world. Much like you are, I’m by force (law) enrolled in SS as a plan participant - I pay out of my check each pay period - and I’ll never see a dime of it because its a Ponzi scheme that will collapse because Congress has robbed it. Your ASSurances are as false as what you portend mine to be - depends on what figures you quote. Here is a fact: We ALL have to take a haircut, to quote our POTUS, Ohio is STILL broken financially, and there is no way out than all of us to take a cut to get the budget back in line for this state. And yes, 100% of retirement funding is what we USED to pay until some of the public servants took a cut. I fund my own retirement 100% as a private sector employee. That is what the public servants should be doing, too, via a 401K plan like the rest of us. Not expecting the taxpayers to fund it for them. And BTW, if you are teaching my district than I owe you a big THANK YOU because the school board will no doubt come back to me this election cycle with a request for more millage (hopefully reduced) to add to my property taxes, which are already obscenely out of line with what my home is worth, thanks to the school taxes. So watch who you throw stones at, as I pay for your job.

By SteveB

April 9, 2011 11:36 PM | Link to this

Even if you can’t get any other facts right, could you at least get what I said right? I said I was excluded from Social Security, not included in it. Because of that, I never saw the take-home pay increase that you got when the payroll tax holiday was enacted. My facts are backed up by verifiable sources. What I pay for health insurance is in my contract, and my contract is a matter of public record. You can call my facts false, but that doesn’t change their being verifiably true. You conveniently ignored all the cuts I’ve already taken, which have reduced my pay about 15-20% from what it otherwise would have been. My retirement fund as a state employee has ALWAYS been a shared burden between the workers & the State, with each contributing equally. Your assertion that my retirement was ever 100% paid for is 100% false. Again, this is a verifiable fact. Another of your falsehoods is the claim that private-sector employees fund their own retirement. First, your employer pays into social security the same amount that you do. Second, 401(k) private retirement plans have an employer match for your contributions. Also, you seem to misunderstand public employment. I’ve said I’m a STATE employee. I don’t work for your school district or anyone else’s. If your property taxes (or school district income tax) go up, it will be by a democratic vote, and it will be because of Governor Kasich’s plan to slash state funding of school districts. By making these cuts, he’s built a backhanded tax increase for you into his proposed budget, but you’re too busy singing his praises to notice. If your property is overvalued, then it’s up to you to challenge the valuation. You need to participate in the solutions to your own problems, not behave as if you can do nothing. Lastly, I’m not throwing stones: Your “facts” are false, and you’re apparently too lazy to check any of the sources I gave you, or you’d see that they’re false. If you can’t be bothered to check the facts instead of giving false information, then there’s no point in even discussing any of this with you. The only thing worse than simple ignorance is willful ignorance.

By Retired Sgt

April 10, 2011 8:24 AM | Link to this

The Buckeye Institute is a lobbiest group, therefore any “facts” assosciated with it must be taken with a grain of salt. Merely reading their home page will tell you that: http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/ Anyone using this site as a factual data source is undermining their argument.