With the Milwuakie School District in a financial crisis and layoffs handed out to hundreds of teachers, the Milwaukee teachers union is taking a stand and are insisting to get its taxpayer-funded Viagra back as a benefit.The school district believes its limited resources might be better spent in more productive pursuits.
"But lawyers for the school board say the drugs were excluded in 2005 to save money, and there is no discrimination because they are used primarily for recreational sex and not out of medical necessity."
Don't they have, like...hobbies? What the heck are they doing over there in Milwaukie?
The filing last month comes as the union, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association, is also protesting hundreds of layoff notices issued to teachers for the coming school year. Citing a "financial crisis" caused by exploding benefit costs and revenue shortfalls, the district's outgoing superintendent proposed laying off 682 employees in April.
At least one lawmaker questioned why the union is fighting for Viagra while teachers are losing their jobs. A consultant for the school board has estimated that reinstating the drug benefit would cost $786,000 per year — the cost to keep perhaps a dozen first-year teachers employed.
Nearly a million a year - for viagra. Listen, don't start trying to reason with these people. You are not dealing with reasonable people.
State Rep. Jason Fields argues that the money could be better spent any number of ways — including saving jobs.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Fields, a Milwaukee Democrat. "The fact that is the point of contention is kind of frightening."
It's bad news when even the Democrats can see how outrageous the NEA can be.
(Note: photo of teachers protesting is generic for teachers protesting, and does not represent any particular teachers, in Milwaukie or elsewhere, protesting the loss of a Viagra benefit plan).
What do you think about that guy on the right? He seems pretty serious. I'm thinking he's in dire need of that 'benefit' package.
ReplyDelete... they are used primarily for recreational sex and not out of medical necessity.
ReplyDeleteSee, nobody's falling for the old "But it's different for guys! We have to!" bit any more.
With their unfunded pensions and the fact that a district supervisor could be drawing a $1 million/year pension in his/her fifties, I say go with spay and neuter.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is harsh. That is cold. What an unfeeling response. Come on, Darrell, these people have needs.
ReplyDeleteWho approved those salaries? Who approved pensions like that? States are sitting with $Trillions worth of unfunded liabilities. You are lucky that I was in a good mood and didn't suggest feeding the zoo animals.
ReplyDeleteAnd can't these guys hire unemployed people to carry the signs like all the other unions are doing?
Well, ya know, sometimes ya just gotta fight for your right ... to Partay!
ReplyDelete