HOUSE BUDGET BILLS CALLS FOR REPORT ON PART-TIME FACULTY

The Community College budget bill, HB 4253, has passed by the House, with two serious attempts made on language inserted by MFT&SRP regarding a review by the State of the increased usage and treatment of part-time instructors. With the help of aggressive grassroots efforts by John McDonald, we were able to fend off an effort to strip the language entirely with a 48 to 59 vote. We also prevailed on an effort to replace the language in the bill with a watered down version on a 49-59 vote. We held all Democrats on both votes. Subcommittee Chair Tony Stamas (R- Midland) held with us solidly on both votes. Other Republican votes which we held on the first vote included Representatives Larry Julian (R-Lennon), Mike Pumford (R-Newaygo), Randy Richardville (R-Monroe); Andrew Richner (R-Grosse Pointe Park), John Stewart (R-Plymouth) and Gary Woronchak (R-Dearborn). On the second vote, we held Representatives Patricia Birkholz (R- Holland), Sandi Caul (R-Mt. Pleasant) Doug Hart (R-Rockford), Scott Shackleton (R-Sault Ste. Marie), John Stewart and Gary Woronchak. As you can see, Republicans who held with us both times, in addition to Representative Stamas, were Representative Stewart and Woronchak, both of whom were very helpful. We expect an even tougher battle on this issue on the Senate side and urge letters, faxes, and e-mails to state senators to retain the language.

Ellen Hoekstra, Capitol Services

DEARBORN HEIGHTS CAMPUS LIKELY BECOMES MIDDLE SCHOOL

Barring a sudden reversal in direction on the part of the Board of Trustees, the Dearborn Heights Campus is destined to become a Dearborn public middle school. The Citizens Task Force on School Facilities recommended that the P-12 district "reclaim" the campus as part of its plan to ease the overcrowding in the district schools. Fortunately, the Board of Trustees does support providing compensation to the College for Dearborn Heights. The College Administration estimates that almost $9 million is needed to relocate the programs currently housed at the campus.

The Board plans to seek a bond to cover the cost of the Task Force's plan, which includes construction of three additional elementary schools, and building expansions and infrastructure improvements to other elementary and middle school buildings, reimbursement to the College for the Dearborn Heights Campus, and expansions of the high schools to relieve the overcrowded conditions there. The bond's price tag currently hovers around $154 million.

Local 1650 will have to be actively involved in the bond election scheduled for next fall. This will be the fourth bond campaign in which the Local has participated in the past year, and the Local's Political Action Fund is nearing depletion. The Local's membership will again be called upon to contribute to the campaign, both through financial contributions and through physical labor. Although the process seems never ending, the stakes are too high to sit on our hands.

PROFESSIONAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

One of the more unique contractual benefits afforded HFCC teachers is the Professional Improvement Fund (PIF). This fund reimburses faculty for professional expenses which pertain to their employment responsibilities. Receipts for membership dues in professional organizations, books, periodicals, continuing education unit fees, travel and conference costs (exceeding the amount covered by the Travel/Conference Fund) are all eligible for reimbursement under PIF. Also, and perhaps most significantly, PIF will cover the cost of computer hardware and software. Receipts submitted to PIF must be less than two years old, and teachers are eligible for PIF payouts on a rotating basis.

The amount of money in PIF, as well as the monies available through Travel/Conference and Tuition Reimbursement, were significantly improved in the last contract. Whereas in the past, teachers could receive a maximum payout of $500 in any one year and could only expect to draw from the fund every two or three years, now the maximum payout is $750, and it appears that teachers can count on an almost annual draw from the fund. This last year everyone who submitted receipts was reimbursed, and there was still money left over!

Receipts are due in the College Business Office on or before August 15. If reimbursement is sought for books, the receipts should be accompanied by an itemized list. Large expenses, such as computers, which exceed the $750 limit can be resubmitted the following year, provided the receipts are still less than two years old. Reimbursement requests for computer hardware should include a statement to the effect that the equipment will be used for the teacher's employment responsibilities (e.g., reviewing professional software, preparing course materials). Teachers will receive PIF payouts by September 30.

ROTARY SPRING GALA

The Dearborn Rotary will host their Spring Charity Gala on June 9 at the new Dearborn Civic Center. This event raises money for a number of worthy causes: HFCC's Assisted Learning Program, Oakwood Hospital's program for families of children with severe physical and metal health problems, and First Step which aids victims of domestic violence.

The event will feature international food and wine, a silent auction, and a raffle (first prize is a Sony big screen TV and DVD player). Door prizes ($5,000 grand prize), a diamond dig, and portraits will round out the evening.

Support HFCC programs, hobnob with the Dearborn glitterati, and have a grand evening all at the same time! Tickets are $100 and are available from John McDonald (x9666).

ROLLIE HOPGOOD RETIRES

On Monday, March 26, MFT&SRP President Rollie Hopgood announced his retirement, effective May, 2001. Hopgood, a former art teacher, has served as MFT&SRP President for five years and prior to that as Administrative Assistant to the President of the MFT&SRP and as President of the Taylor Federation of Teachers. Rollie's service to the Union movement exceeds 40 years. During his tenure with the MFT&SRP, Rollie devoted his considerable energies to reinvigorating the Union's commitment to organizing and political action. Twenty-eight locals were organized during Rollie's tenure with the MFT&SRP, fourteen during his years as president.

Hopgood's successor will be elected at the May MFT&SRP convention in Mt. Pleasant. Contenders for the position include David Hecker, current MFT&SRP Secretary/Treasurer.

CONTRACT PROVISIONS DISCUSSED

The last two General Membership meetings have included discussion of various provisions of the contract. In February, Local 1650 President John McDonald reviewed contract provisions pertaining to hiring, probation and tenure. The March meeting featured a discussion of the contract's various professional development provisions: Travel-conference, Tuition Fund, Professional Improvement Fund, and HFCC Tuition. At the April 16 meeting, the topics will be Distance Education and Intellectual Property.

WWW.HFCCFT1650.ORG

Just a quick reminder about the Local's website at www.hfccft1650.org. Among other things, you can find regular legislative updates on the issues facing the Local on a state and national level.

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