PROFESSIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE 2003

This year’s Professional Issues Conference will focus on a topic critical to the health of all HFCC programs, faculty, staff, and students: how the State budget crisis will impact HFCC. During the conference, attendees will learn about the financial challenges that HFCC faces and about HFCC’s revenue sources and expenditures. There will also be breakout sessions for brainstorming on major financial concerns (such as long-term financing, revenues, enrollment, and expenses at the College), after which the groups will reconvene for debriefing and discussion.

The Professional Issues Conference, a contractual obligation, is scheduled for Thursday, January 9, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A continental breakfast and a box lunch will be provided. Given the significance of the topic, please be sure to attend. If you have any questions about the conference, contact the co-chairs, Kathy Howe (ext. 6366) and Randy Knight (ext. 6367).

IRAQ RESOLUTION DEBATE

At the well-attended Local 1650 General Membership Meeting in November, a resolution regarding U.S. policy on Iraq, submitted for consideration by Geraldine Grunow, was energetically debated. Members weighed the merits and downfalls of the U.S. policy in general as well as the appropriateness of Local 1650’s taking a stance. Topics of discussion were far-reaching: whether 1650 had taken such actions in the past, whether unions in general had set precedents for such actions, whether the U.S. policy was an education-related issue, whether the voice of the group should take precedence over the voice of the individual, and whether such an endorsement would be in the best interests of education in general and HFCC in particular.

When it became clear that a consensus could not be reached in the time available, several options were considered: withdraw the motion to endorse the resolution, table the motion, vote on the motion at the meeting, or distribute a paper ballot. Attendees voted to conduct a paper ballot to ensure that all members, whether at the General Membership Meeting or not, had a chance to weigh in on this important issue.

The ballots were distributed by Area Representatives in the week following the General Membership Meeting. Ballots regarding the proposed resolution on U.S. Policy on Iraq were counted at 12:15 p.m. on December 6. Present at the counting were: Ed Fryzel, John McDonald, Ray Polidori, Pedro San Antonio, and Brian Smith. The results of the ballot are: 57 YES votes and 98 NO Votes. The effort of the Local 1650 Area Representatives in distributing and collecting ballots is very much appreciated.

STATE BUDGET UPDATE

In an effort to close a $1 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, Governor Engler has proposed, among other measures a 2.5% cut in higher education funding, again for the current year. For HFCC, this translates to a $580,000 cut in this year’s State aid to HFCC.

The aggregate cuts in the State budget, however, cover only about one-half of the current $1 billion deficit. When Governor-elect Granholm takes office, she will have to address Mr. Engler’s budget deficit legacy by cutting yet another $500,000 from this year’s budget.

The bad news does not end with the State’s 2002-03 fiscal year. A $1.8 billion deficit is projected for the State’s 2003-04 fiscal year.

Given that some 40% of HFCC’s budget relies on State revenue and is under severe pressure and given that HFCC’s entire operating millage, about 18% of HFCC’s budget, is up for renewal next year, the January 9 Professional Issues Conference will focus on improving College revenues and reviewing expenditures. The Federation and College Administration, who jointly sponsor the Conference and who must confront budget shortfalls, need to receive input and suggestions from the College Community.

John McDonald

 

1650 ELECTION RESULTS

In November, the following people were elected to 1650 positions:

President: John McDonald

Vice President for Internal Affairs (one-year term): Betsy Cohn

Vice President for External Affairs: Nancy Widman

Treasurer: Ed Fryzel

Representative, Area 2 (English): Jim Wanless

Representative, Area 4 (Business & Math): Jeannine Dawson

Representative, Area 6 (Trade & Apprentice): Tony Mazurek

Representative, Area 8 (Social Science): Margaret Thornburg

STATE AND SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RESULTS

Local 1650 had mixed success in its efforts to ensure the election of union and education-friendly politicians. Noteworthy successes were the wins by Jennifer Granholm for Governor and Jim Schoolmaster for HFCC Board of Trustees. Schoolmaster, in particular, expressed deep gratitude for 1650’s contributions and participation in mailings and poll work. Results were split for the various university Boards of Regents, and ground was lost in the State House, State Senate, and Attorney General campaigns. The November election resulted in the following party breakdowns: in the State Senate, 22 Republicans and 16 Democrats; and in the State House, 63 Republicans and 47 Democrats.

As for the ballot proposals, the straight-party voting option was retained, reallocation of tobacco settlement monies was defeated, and securing binding arbitration rights for State employees was defeated.

 

1650 COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

November’s election results, upcoming reductions in State aid, and continuing escalation of health care costs require the membership’s full attention and involvement. Please consider joining one or both of the following committees, which will be increasingly active in the upcoming months:

The Legislative Committee will likely address ramifications of the Republican-controlled State House and Senate as well as prepare for next November, when we will seek renewal of HFCC’s operating budget and become involved in elections for two seats on the Board of Trustees. If you would like to learn more about the committee or would like to join, please contact Jim Wanless, Committee Chair, at ext. 9716.

The Insurance Committee will be researching cost containment options as well as preparing for implementation of LASIK insurance in the second year of the current contract and improved long-term care insurance coverage in the third year of the current contract. If you are interested in serving on this important committee, contact Marsha Steele, Committee Chair, at ext. 6590.

AFT PLUS MEMBER COMPUTER PURCHASE PROGRAM

The AFT PLUS Member Computer Purchase Program began on November 15. It offers AFT members the option of buying various Dell and Gateway computer packages with various options and with 0% financing for 12 months. Payment can be by check, credit card, or bank account deductions. Computers will be delivered within two weeks of order placement. (People making Christmas purchases should place their orders by December 10 for delivery by December 24.) Orders can be made on line at http://aft.ecp2.com or over the phone at 1-888-923-6236, where customer service representatives can also answer questions.

GIFT OF READING CAMPAIGN

A well-established Local 1650 tradition that began in 1989, the 14^th annual Gift of Reading Campaign seeks donations to Focus Hope for use in its Center for Children and for distribution to children of families participating in the food program. Donations should be new, unwrapped books for children up to age 13 or checks payable to HFCC-FT Local 1650 with a memo notation that it is for Focus Hope.

Please make your contribution by Monday, December 9, to any of the following committee members: Mike Davis, Architectural Construction (office: D-164B; mailbox: DHC); Jeannine Dawson, Math (office: A-225; mailbox: L-259); Kevin Dewey, Fine Arts (office, F-132; mailbox: F-153); Peter Kearly, English (office, A-208; mailbox, L-201); Paulette Childress, English (office, A-218; mailbox, L-201); John Rietz, English (office, L-203; mailbox, L-201); Dorothy Rothgery, Health Careers (office: H-133K; mailbox: H-133); or Nancy Widman, Library (office: Lib-106A; mailbox: Lib-106).

In the past, Local 1650 members have given generously to this cause, undoubtedly recognizing the importance of developing lifelong reading habits from the earliest age. Last year, the HFCC community donated over $900 and approximately 150 books, numbers that we hope to surpass this year. Thank you for continuing to support Michigan’s disadvantaged children and this worthy program.

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