Christie tells NJEA "they need to get realistic"

by: Jason Springer

Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:15:00 PM EST

Chris Christie wants the NJEA to know that there will be a new Governor in town and things will be different under his watch:

"They need to get realistic about the fact that change is coming, because it is," Christie said of the union, the New Jersey Education Association. "Frequently, the leadership of the NJEA has been a strong advocate for the status quo whether the status quo is succeeding or failing."

Christie used tough rhetoric when speaking about the NJEA and education throughout the campaign. You'll remember Christie declined to seek the NJEA endorsement last June, instead sending a letter:

The Christie campaign provided a copy of the letter. In it, Christie said he wanted to meet with union representatives to "engage in a frank dialogue about the future of our public education system," but that "doing so under the specter of an endorsement is difficult... that is why I will not be seeking the endorsement of your organization."
"Because I respect your members' contributions to our public education system, I want to speak honestly and openly with you to ensure you know exactly where I stand and for what I believe," he wrote.

You can see the whole letter Christie sent here. The NJEA ran ads talking about how they worried about a Governor Christie during the campaign as well. Christie is indicating that some of their fears may become a reality.

Jason Springer :: Christie tells NJEA "they need to get realistic"

Tags: Chris Christie, Education, Teachers, teachers union, NJEA, Union, (All Tags)

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Christie tells NJEA "they need to get realistic" | 4 comments

Teachers Must pay for Health Care (2.50 / 2)

NJEA can create a lot of good will with taxpayers by simply agreeing that its members should pay the same percentage for health care benefits as State Workers pay.

Since high Property taxes are basically school taxes ,free family health care is no longer an option.

If State Workers can pay,teachers can pay. This will help lower property taxes and then give the NJEA some real "juice" when they argue to lower Administration costs.

I KNOW this will never happen ,but that does not mean it shoudl not happen.

by: firstamend07 @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:21:48 PM UTC

by: you @ soon

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This is one of those weird decisions Corzine made (0.00 / 0)

For some reason, Gov. Corzine played hardball with the state workers and got health-care concessions three years ago and then folded and let the K-12 teachers off the hook (free health-care).

I more or less he hurt himself with both groups. The state workers were upset that Gov. Corzine gave the K-12 teachers a better deal and the K-12 teachers didn't appreciate how much they had to fight to keep the status quo.

by: princetonblue @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 22:49:45 PM UTC

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