Morris is a valuable partner in the nationwide push for education reform
Renown political analyst Dick Morris released today his latest book “Revolt!: How to Defeat Obama and Repeal His Socialist Programs – A Patriot’s Guide,” and EAG is proud to have contributed to this inevitable best seller.
In Morris’ latest political page-turner, he reveals how conservatives can win big in 2012, and presents a detailed guide to repeal and defund Obamacare, roll back government spending, stop tax increases, draw down the national debt and deregulate community banks to spur small business lending.
Morris and co-author Eileen McGann discuss the Governors’ revolution currently underway in Wisconsin, Indiana and other states to limit unions, cut benefits and free education reforms from collective bargaining, essential ingredients for financially stable states and better education options.
Morris cited EAG’s research, and we are elated that his new book will help share our message on the toxic influence of teachers unions with citizens across America.
Passages influenced by EAG include the following from page 161:
“Frequently, the teachers union squanders public resources on strictly non-education spending. In Michigan, for example, the union runs its own health insurance company, MESSA, which has a virtual monopoly on providing health coverage for teachers in most of the state’s school districts, according to Kyle Olson of the Education Action Group (educationactiongroup.org).
“The coverage typically costs 20% more than an equivalent private or Blue Cross policy would and the union pockets the difference to maintain its power. The members don’t care. The taxpayers foot the bill.
“In 2007, the Kalamazoo Gazette reported a school district switched away from MESSA, saved over $200 per student and the only loss coverage was for ‘massages, sex change operations and a treatment for Christian Science practitioners.’ More recently, the Saugatuck district opted for a MESSA competitor, giving employees similar coverage but saving $3,800 per teacher per year!
“Governors and localities will also find themselves turning more to contractors instead of unionized employees to perform custodial and transportation services for students. School districts have saved a mint and have found service to be better with private companies, according to Education Action Group.
“The Grand Rapids district (third largest in the state) hired a private transportation company to bus its students. Over a three year period, the company saved the district over $18 million. Elsewhere, the Clarenceville district outsourced 10 custodial positions, saving $1.2 million over three years.”
EAG Founder and CEO Kyle Olson said Morris’ new book highlights how America can reroute its current course toward a brighter future and an improved education system.
“Our partnership with Dick Morris on critical education and union-related issues will undoubtedly help to enlighten more Americans about how teachers unions have stifled reforms and obstructed learning for decades,” Olson said. “Like our own work, Morris’ newest book exposes the wrongs in education perpetrated by Big Labor, and what we as Americans can do about it.
“Morris’ citation of EAG’s research also underscores the growing influence our organization has had on education issues since we were founded less than four short years ago. His book is the latest reference to our important work at EAG, which is now regularly cited by local and national news outlets from across the United States,” Olson said.
