Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Louisiana Politicians Respond to the State of the Union

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

In their traditional response to the president's State of the Union address, lawmakers from around the State of Louisiana posted their responses immediately after the speech ended. And, as can be expected, it was a mixed set of reviews, ranging from sharp criticisms from lawmakers on the right to celebratory rhetoric from the president`s supporters on the left. 

From Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., R-South Louisiana:
I welcomed tonight's opportunity to hear the President's comments on how his sixth year in office would be any different than the previous five. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed as the President discussed how he would continue to circumvent Congress in order to push his liberal agenda. As a member of the People's House, I find this completely unacceptable. I am determined to protect the will of the people I represent in South Louisiana. Power grabs by this Administration will not be tolerated.
And in a unique showing of unity amongst Louisiana's bi-partisan delegation, Senator Mary Landrieu, D-LA, echoed similar sentiments:
Tonight, the President spoke about hard work, greater opportunity and growing and expanding the middle class. One of the quickest ways we can create jobs is by increasing our domestic energy production and taking smart steps toward energy independence. The Keystone Pipeline, and projects like this, will significantly improve the infrastructure that is necessary to support this increased production. Nearly three years ago, I urged this Administration to act swiftly to begin construction of this pipeline. I'm disappointed, as are many of my colleagues, that the Administration still has not acted despite the overwhelming economic and environmental evidence that favors immediate construction.
And to all my readers, did you catch the #sotu? What was your reaction?

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Louisiana Teacher Tenure Law Ruled Unconstitutional...Again

By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

In a ruling confirming an earlier decision, Judge R. Michael Caldwell of the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge once again struck down the law known as "Act 1", stating that it violated Louisiana "single object" clause, a part of state's constitution that bars legislating on several issues through one law. The decision is seen as a victory for the state's teachers unions and as another defeat for Governor Jindal and his attempt to overhaul many parts of Louisiana's education system.

Act 1, which was passed by the Legislature during the 2012 Regular Session, deals with many aspects of the education system, including:

  • school control
  • teacher tenure
  • pay for performance and evaluation
  • superintendent and school board duties
  • layoffs
  • contracts
  • teacher salaries
  • teacher hiring/firing
  • teacher tenure
This is the second time that Judge Caldwell has struck down the law. The first ruling came in March 2013, and the State Supreme Court asked Judge Caldwell to review his ruling at the same time that the Court struck down the funding mechanism for Governor Jindal's controversial expansion of the school vouchers program (also known as Act 2).


Today, Judge Caldwell clarified his March ruling and stuck with the original decision:  "I am still of the opinion that the Act violates the 'single object' requirement and is thus unconstitutional in its entirety."

Governor Jindal's office quickly responded to the ruling and defeat with the following statement:

'We believe (the law) is Constitutional and we are going to appeal to the Supreme Court,' said Jindal. 'These reforms are constitutional and will help improve Louisiana schools for children and families across the state. The law rewards effective teachers for their hard work and ensures that we have a great teacher in the classroom so that our children have the opportunity succeed.'
In an extension of his explanation, Judge Caldwell claimed that there wasn't enough of a unifying theme between the various parts of the law, and it thus violates the Single Object rule:
The new case law, Caldwell said, ensures the single object rule doesn't restrict the breadth of a bill 'as long as the parts of the bill are naturally related.' While he agreed the many parts of Act 1 did have 'some meager semblances of a uniting theme' -- which he identified as issues relating to "teacher effectiveness" -- Caldwell said he could not find that theme apparent in all of its parts or its title.
While this seems to be a victory for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, which has been opposed to much of the governor's educational legislation, LFT President Steve Monaghan remained humble in his public statements on Wednesday, suggesting that LFT and teachers throughout the state are eager to work with lawmakers to revamp the legislation into something that is both legal and work for schools, teachers, and students around the state.

Stay tuned to www.joeylehrman.net and www.nola.com for further developments relating to the Act 1 ruling, including a press conference scheduled for this afternoon by State Superintendent of Education, John White. 

Joey-Lehrman
The 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge
Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Staying Cool New Orleans Style with Joey Lehrman

 By Joey Lehrman | Email the Author | Follow on Twitter

Joey-Lehrman
Sunday night's regional temperatures
It's unlikely (if not impossible) that you haven't noticed by now that an extreme cold front has spread across most of the United States, blanketing the country in record lows in most regions including New Orleans. The recent outbreak of Arctic air is pouring into southeastern Louisiana as well, with a hard-freeze warning for much of the north shore and Baton Rouge in effect on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. 

According to Mark Schleifstein's, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune recent post:
Record low temperatures are expected in Baton Rouge, Slidell, and at New Orleans' Louis Armstrong International Airport and Audubon Park early Tuesday. Forecasters have also issued a wind-chill advisory for southeastern Louisiana from midnight Sunday until noon Monday, with wind chills mostly in the teens.
Although the cold front isn't necessarily a health risk (like it is for our friends in the North where extreme bitter cold forced the governor of Minnesota to cancel school for the ENTIRE state on Monday), forecasters are still warning that the freezing temperatures over these two days could cause frost-bite and hypothermia. Therefore, all residents are encouraged to wear hats and gloves. 
'If you must go outside, remember that several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat,' said the weather service's freeze warning message. 'A hat is also important, as 20 percent of body heat loss is through the head.'
And since a hard freeze can kill crops and sensitive vegitation, residents are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to protect their property and pets. 

Stay tuned to www.weather.com and www.nola.com for up-to-date weather advisories. 

Joey Lehrman is a retired teacher with over 40 years of experience in the New Orleans public school system. Since retiring, he has transitioned to sharing his experience and perspective and all things New Orleans through a variety of blogs, news-sites, and social networks.