Colorado Connection

2nd Quarter 2020

President’s Update

By: Kallie Leyba

Again, we find ourselves in a time when Americans recognize the heroic nature of public servants. Our state workers have been on the front lines of the global pandemic at a time when their promised collective bargaining hangs in balance. There has never been a time when it was more clear how much the members of Colorado Wins need the protections of collective bargaining. Our higher education members have pivoted to all-remote instruction and undoubtedly met the challenge with exceptional performance. Our K-12 nutrition workers have continued to serve meals–putting their own health in the balance without a second thought because so many of our students would not have food without them. Our paraprofessionals have stepped up to support students in creative ways while being a resource and support for teachers. And our teachers have given more of themselves than usual, in a time when they may have less to give, to connect with and continue to educate students and support parents.

All of this has been done with our usual limited resources and support.

Unfortunately, the economic effects of the pandemic nationally, statewide, and locally are predicted to be nothing short of devastating.

Colorado is currently predicting a deficit of $3.3 billion dollars for next year. We have not recovered from the recession twelve years ago, and this is more monumental than that.

Without a change, I can’t imagine we will recover for decades.

There IS hope, however. Initiative 271 is not the panacea, but it would alleviate much of the damage and Coloradoans overwhelmingly agree on a tax system that is fair for each taxpayer. We must all do our part to ensure 271 is placed on our ballot in November. That means we ALL need to get a petition and commit to obtaining a minimum of only five signatures–typically we would ask fewer people to gather more signatures each, but with social distancing, the new model is EVERYONE getting a petition and gathering fewer signatures each. Read more below about Fair Tax Colorado and how to get involved.

The AFT has published a Plan to Safely

Reopen America’s Schools and Communities. This is a comprehensive document I encourage everyone to read and share with your colleagues and employers. It outlines the considerations employers and employees together need to implement to keep us all safe while moving forward with reopening our schools and other parts of our community that have been physically closed. The document highlights the importance of Collective Bargaining and collaboration between labor and management:

All community members are struggling with the fear and anxiety of reopening before a vaccine is widely available. In order for communities to trust reopening plans, they need a seat at the table to make decisions, and to feel engaged and empowered to help their community implement them.

Please continue to take great care of yourselves and your loved ones through this challenging time and know you are not alone–you are a member of the AFT Colorado and you have all of us standing with you.

In solidarity,

Kallie Leyba President