TEACHERS ARE HUMAN TOO

Paige Turner

In the Land of Enchantment this week, we find wicked Ol’ Susana vetoing HB 241, nicknamed “Teachers Are Human Too Act.” HB 241 proposes to remove penalties for educators using their contractually allowed sick leave of 10-days each year.

In a nutshell, Martinez is punishing educators for using their contracted compensation package. Yet, on the other hand, teachers are not compensated for their unused contracted sick leave days. It’s like she’s saying, “Here you go my pretties…here are these 10-days a year you can take care for yourself and your families” and then sends her flying monkeys after your if you use over 3 or them.

According to American Federation of Teachers, HB 241 is a bill that “bridged the partisan gap.”  Other education policy changes have found little common ground, but HB 241 found the needed support from those in both the Senate and House. After all, it’s common sense that teachers should be able to take contractually provided sick leave days.

After the bill was vetoed, one of the HB 241 sponsors, Senator Craig Brandt, worked to try to come to a compromise with the governor’s buddy Hanna. But, talks were wonky and did not go well. Senator Brandt found himself calling for a veto override vote.

The first vote for the override of Martinez’s veto of HB 241 was held on Tuesday, March 14th.  The Senate succeeded with passing the override with a bipartisan vote. Now the bill moves on to the House. If the House votes with the needed 2/3s vote, then HB 241 will become a law.

But, therein lies the problem; the Republican caucus says it won’t support a veto override. Previously, the members of the House voted with 64 Yeas, 3 Nays, 2 Absent, and 1 excused member. Why it wouldn’t still have 64 Yeas shows the members of the House are not voting their hearts and minds for their constituents. They are cowards who are afraid to vote against the governor’s veto.

It’s time the people let their voices be heard by contacting legislators in the House. Let them know they need to support educators and education by voting to override the veto of HB 241. Let them know they work for their constituents and not for the governor! Let them know they will lose your vote if they do not represent you!

TEACHERS ARE HUMAN TOO!

Not sure who to contact? Use the following site to easily find your legislators and a contact a few others, too. https://nmlegis.gov/Members/Find_My_Legislator