Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the battle for fair school funding, attacks on collective bargaining rights for teachers and the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on children.
The first topic Cropper discussed was the fight to implement a comprehensive school funding plan that accurately reflects the costs of educating students in Ohio. Despite a bipartisan plan established four years ago, recent budget proposals have fallen short, threatening previous progress. Cropper discussed the importance of lobbying efforts to ensure the Ohio Senate reinstates the fair school funding plan, which is crucial for the future of the state’s public schools.
Next, Cropper explained how recent budget proposals include provisions that undermine seniority rights and collective bargaining agreements for educators. These changes could destabilize the teaching profession and negatively impact student learning environments, she said. Cropper added that respecting collective bargaining agreements is essential for maintaining a stable and effective education system.
Finally, Cropper addressed the potential consequences of Medicaid cuts on children. She pointed out that proposed cuts could strip healthcare coverage from thousands of children in Ohio, affecting their well-being and educational outcomes. Cropper stressed the need to raise awareness about the impact of these cuts, as they are often overlooked in national discussions.
Listen to the full episode of America's Work Force to hear more from Cropper.