Andy Beshear - Not a fan of Science

[Rex Kwon Do]

Odds this money made/makes its way to the teachers retirement fund?

Nah man....you’re on the right track but these folks are playing chess, not checkers. That amount would be BB’s at the freight train that is the retirement pensions.

Their current surpluses would go to a wish list type or raises.....there is still a *major* opportunity for bailouts for states under the Biden admin, the real cash grab has not happened yet.

 

[LowerLevelSeatA]

Yep afraid even the money they have spent thus far or will spend may not be directly related to benefit kids. Afraid they have or will find a way to move that money around however they see fit.

 

[KYExtemper]

Education has a lot of money issues. The state doesn't even provide textbook funding to districts anymore "because stuff is online." And don't even get me started on admin salaries/bloat that is draining districts dry while needed monies don't make it into the classroom.

 

[John Henry]

Education has a lot of money issues. The state doesn't even provide textbook funding to districts anymore "because stuff is online." And don't even get me started on admin salaries/bloat that is draining districts dry while needed monies don't make it into the classroom.

If I had children in school today I would put them in private schools even if I have to take a second job to pay for it. My grandchildren all attend private schools.

The public school system is involved in everything but providing the best education possible. Education is way down their list

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

Education has a lot of money issues. The state doesn't even provide textbook funding to districts anymore "because stuff is online." And don't even get me started on admin salaries/bloat that is draining districts dry while needed monies don't make it into the classroom.

Good lord. You’ve been fully indoctrinated.

 

[KYExtemper]

Good lord. You’ve been fully indoctrinated.

Eh?

 

[80 Proof]

Education has a lot of money issues. The state doesn't even provide textbook funding to districts anymore "because stuff is online." And don't even get me started on admin salaries/bloat that is draining districts dry while needed monies don't make it into the classroom.

If you think that is bad, you should see how much money taxpayers are putting into the obsolete retirement plans for teachers. The carrying costs is starting to affect the entire state's budget and our bonding capacity. It's going to have a negative impact our ability to do everything from paving roads to supporting arts, and everything in between.

 

[KYExtemper]

If you think that is bad, you should see how much money taxpayers are putting into the obsolete retirement plans for teachers. The carrying costs is starting to affect the entire state's budget and our bonding capacity. It's going to have a negative impact our ability to do everything from paving roads to supporting arts, and everything in between.

I agree that needs to be fixed too. Problem is the state has to basically live up to its commitments to existing retirees or those in there right now because our state doesn't allow teachers to pay into Social Security, which is crazy.

 

[bkingUK]

You have a teachers union representing the best interests of teacher health. And you have a contingency with the belief they should be able to force teachers into such circumstances despite their protest and will of union. And the teachers win because their stance is in line with wishes of public health. That’s it.

Rest is Bevin supporters looking to attack teachers unions. It hasn’t worked out well for them historically.

 

[bkingUK]

So many problems but 41 of the 50 states and every developed country in the World managing to have them open.

There's only 1 problem.

that’s a lie. At least be accurate

 

[80 Proof]

I agree that needs to be fixed too. Problem is the state has to basically live up to its commitments to existing retirees or those in there right now because our state doesn't allow teachers to pay into Social Security, which is crazy.

It's a federal law that prevents teachers from drawing social security. The states leadership at the time voted to opt teachers out in favor of our current pension plan.

As for existing pensions, they are already guaranteed with taxpayers being the collateral. The changes that Beshear suarined only changed new hires to defined contribution, everyone already hired stayed the same.

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

You have a teachers union representing the best interests of teacher health. And you have a contingency with the belief they should be able to force teachers into such circumstances despite their protest and will of union. And the teachers win because their stance is in line with wishes of public health. That’s it.

Rest is Bevin supporters looking to attack teachers unions. It hasn’t worked out well for them historically.

you are dead wrong. You can’t even read. I pray you aren’t and educator. Public health experts on a global level agree that kids should Be in school. Andy and other governors controlled by unions disagree. This is a unique conversation. Every where else in the developed world they are doing everything they can to get kids in school. In the US, teachers unions try to find every excuse to not be.

regarding social security. The hilarity of this complaint is that the teacher’s unions are the ones who were ok with giving up social security in exchange for the sham of a pension. Democrats and unions cut that deal. Lol.

 

[KYExtemper]

It's a federal law that prevents teachers from drawing social security. The states leadership at the time voted to opt teachers out in favor of our current pension plan.

As for existing pensions, they are already guaranteed with taxpayers being the collateral. The changes that Beshear suarined only changed new hires to defined contribution, everyone already hired stayed the same.

I get that. What I'm saying is that KY's General Assembly needs to go in and change the system so that teachers can (if they choose) pay into Social Security as well as a pension device (whatever that happens to be).

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

I get that. What I'm saying is that KY's General Assembly needs to go in and change the system so that teachers can (if they choose) pay into Social Security as well as a pension device (whatever that happens to be).

Its a federal issue. Google “windfall elimination provision”.

 

[Bill Cosby]

lol yes teachers just need to pay into that well funded safe and secure social security system and that will solve all their problems.

Government retirement plans are not the answer.

 

[RunninRichie]

If I had children in school today I would put them in private schools even if I have to take a second job to pay for it. My grandchildren all attend private schools.

The public school system is involved in everything but providing the best education possible. Education is way down their list

public education is a sham

 

[80 Proof]

I get that. What I'm saying is that KY's General Assembly needs to go in and change the system so that teachers can (if they choose) pay into Social Security as well as a pension device (whatever that happens to be).

The general Assembly cannot do that. It's a federal law that prohibits inclusion. The only option available to the state's politicians that would allow teachers to get social security is to give up their pension and be like everyone else in America.

Again, teachers and the democratic leadership of the time crafted the current setup and then voted to opt out of SS.

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

The general Assembly cannot do that. It's a federal law that prohibits inclusion. The only option available to the state's politicians that would allow teachers to get social security is to give up their pension and be like everyone else in America.

Again, teachers and the democratic leadership of the time crafted the current setup and then voted to opt out of SS.

It's my understanding that they could get SS but if they did, they would have to pay the full tax but 66% of their pension would eat into their SS check when they turn 65. That's why they opt out of paying the tax, because they know they won't get the money.

 

[KYExtemper]

The general Assembly cannot do that. It's a federal law that prohibits inclusion. The only option available to the state's politicians that would allow teachers to get social security is to give up their pension and be like everyone else in America.

Again, teachers and the democratic leadership of the time crafted the current setup and then voted to opt out of SS.

The federal law you speak of doesn't prohibit inclusion. Instead it leaves that decision up to the states about what to do. Many states in the 1950s when amendments were added to the Social Security Act (of which KY was one) elected not to put some of their workers, like teachers, into the system but in return they had to create pensions for them.

So the state could choose to opt-in tomorrow but that would mean teachers would start paying the Social Security tax in addition to what they contribute to their pension. And as noted above, that starts to carry with it some additional issues in terms of what they can collect vs. their Social Security benefits.

 

[ryanbruner]

If I had children in school today I would put them in private schools even if I have to take a second job to pay for it. My grandchildren all attend private schools.

The public school system is involved in everything but providing the best education possible. Education is way down their list

 

[80 Proof]

The federal law you speak of doesn't prohibit inclusion. Instead it leaves that decision up to the states about what to do. Many states in the 1950s when amendments were added to the Social Security Act (of which KY was one) elected not to put some of their workers, like teachers, into the system but in return they had to create pensions for them.

So the state could choose to opt-in tomorrow but that would mean teachers would start paying the Social Security tax in addition to what they contribute to their pension. And as noted above, that starts to carry with it some additional issues in terms of what they can collect vs. their Social Security benefits.

It's an argument of semantics, the laws are written to absorb any benefits of SS if you have an exempt pension.

"Under federal law, any Social Security benefits you earned will be reduced if you were a federal, state or local government employee who earned a pension on wages that were not covered by Social Security. Reductions also apply to Social Security spousal or survivor benefits that are claimed by government pensioners."

https://www.kiplinger.com/article/r...ension-and-full-social-security-benefits.html

 

[anthonys735]

So he basically punted and we're back where we were before Thanksgiving. Assume that means Private will be back and most of the counties will be back. Unfortunately I don't see Lex or Lou going back this year, which is heart breaking.

 

[KYExtemper]

Lots of unclear definition in the planning, which is leaving local districts with all the pressure again. It's like what does "aggressive hybrid" even mean? And again, the governor ignores that doing some simultaneous virtual model means teachers now have to do two jobs and monitor online and in-person students at the same time. It'd be great if districts could split those jobs up but in high school that's impossible due to elective offerings, different levels of courses, etc.

 

[LowerLevelSeatA]

Lexington just had their school board meeting. In summary Fayette County public schools is still an epic disaster. Returning to remote learning after Christmas. Full in person learning only when there are less than 10 cases per 100,000.. they have zero interest in going back to in person this year. Why can nothing be done about the absolute destruction of our children by the school board members and administration of Fayette County Public Schools? Hope everyone shows up next time I tell you we are having a rally..we need massive numbers. Also I know it’s impossible because they would suffer consequences but I think at this point the only thing that may help is if teachers in Fayette County formed a group and started publicly advocating for in person learning.

 

[Wodie sloot]

Wow. That is criminal.

 

[anthonys735]

Unreal. How terribly heart breaking.

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

The federal law you speak of doesn't prohibit inclusion. Instead it leaves that decision up to the states about what to do. Many states in the 1950s when amendments were added to the Social Security Act (of which KY was one) elected not to put some of their workers, like teachers, into the system but in return they had to create pensions for them.

So the state could choose to opt-in tomorrow but that would mean teachers would start paying the Social Security tax in addition to what they contribute to their pension. And as noted above, that starts to carry with it some additional issues in terms of what they can collect vs. their Social Security benefits.

which is why this is a pointless conversation. Teachers don’t want it if they have to abide by the law.

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

Lots of unclear definition in the planning, which is leaving local districts with all the pressure again. It's like what does "aggressive hybrid" even mean? And again, the governor ignores that doing some simultaneous virtual model means teachers now have to do two jobs and monitor online and in-person students at the same time. It'd be great if districts could split those jobs up but in high school that's impossible due to elective offerings, different levels of courses, etc.

it really isn’t that much more work. The trade off is much smaller in person classes. Same # of students and teachers.

the rest of the world has adapted and is working harder. Teachers can too.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Why can nothing be done about the absolute destruction of our children by the school board members and administration of Fayette County Public Schools?

Go private or leave the jurisdiction. The only choices imo

 

[jwheat]

You have a teachers union representing the best interests of teacher health. And you have a contingency with the belief they should be able to force teachers into such circumstances despite their protest and will of union. And the teachers win because their stance is in line with wishes of public health. That’s it.

Rest is Bevin supporters looking to attack teachers unions. It hasn’t worked out well for them historically.

A lot of professions have had to work during all this or be forced to find another job / stand in unemployment lines.

Teachers are no better than the rest of the population

 

[cole854]

You have a teachers union representing the best interests of teacher health. And you have a contingency with the belief they should be able to force teachers into such circumstances despite their protest and will of union. And the teachers win because their stance is in line with wishes of public health. That’s it.

...representing the best interests of teacher health.

...is in line with wishes of public health.

This is hilarious.

 

[KYExtemper]

it really isn’t that much more work. The trade off is much smaller in person classes. Same # of students and teachers.

the rest of the world has adapted and is working harder. Teachers can too.

Do you teach? If not, I don't think you understand. Teachers have to basically run a laptop and can't leave one position of the room so that students virtually can hear them (and that means students in person aren't getting a lot of help but that is already hindered by the distancing guidelines. Oh, and be careful about having that mic on too much or you might breach confidentiality of a student). Then they have to prep materials that are available for the in-person kids and the virtual kids, which sometimes means prepping two different types of materials. And much smaller classes isn't always true. In my area there are classes were teachers have four kids online and then there were 20+ in-person. There are major equity issues there too in terms of making sure the kids in both platforms are getting the same teaching, so its a tough balancing act to make sure everyone's needs are being met. If this were to continue as a model into next school year you are going to burn a lot of people out.

But hey, exploit the worker, right? I think it'd be better that we work smarter than harder.

Edit: And let me add that I'm all about changing metrics (especially for big cities - like Fayette getting to less than 10 per 10k or whatever cases for full return? Really?) or approaching this smartly, but I hate how a lot of the leadership in this crisis has been "Well I don't want to make a decision so I'll keep kicking it down the chain of command." The vague guidelines yesterday really don't give much for local leadership to work with. They have to define these hybrid setups, define which faculty should be able to work virtually, etc.

 

[anthonys735]

that’s a lie. At least be accurate

You're a clown.

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/school-closures-covid?stackMode=absolute&region=World

The list of countries with required schools closed: Libya, Venezuela, China, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and good old Kentucky, USA.

and

*Michigan, with Gretchen Whitmer, now has k-8 in person. Also, NYC has schools open. I thought Cali had private schools open but he may have shut those down. because he was catching heat for closing public schools and sending his kids to private. Lol.

 

[jwheat]

What is bking even arguing

does she think that kids shouldn’t be in school?

 

[KYExtemper]

You're a clown.

https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/school-closures-covid?stackMode=absolute&region=World

The list of countries with required schools closed: Libya, Venezuela, China, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and good old Kentucky, USA.

and

*Michigan, with Gretchen Whitmer, now has k-8 in person. Also, NYC has schools open. I thought Cali had private schools open but he may have shut those down. because he was catching heat for closing public schools and sending his kids to private. Lol.

I'm kinda surprised to see West Virginia highlighted on that map. It's like one of those "Who doesn't belong?" things.

 

[anthonys735]

Yeah, they've been largely unaffected by covid, so I haven't paid much attention to their stuff. I know Greenbriar is open. So they have resorts and Casinos open but apparently schools closed. Appears they do have at least some schools going but are closing for red counties. I pretty sure it's just Ky, Cali and Oregon with full out all schools closed right now.

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/most-schools-in-west-virginia-close-as-covid-19-outbreak-intensifies/

 

[BigBlueDave_rivals76951]

My wife’s family is from the KC, Missouri area. Schools there are only closing for lack of subs, not community spread. They don’t shut the whole district down either. Just the affected school.

They started the second week of August. They had no issues until November. Half of the district schools were out two weeks before thanksgiving. Every school succumbed the week before. Thanksgiving week were closed for the holiday. Everyone started back the following week. The goal is to get back as soon as possible and not get used to the new normal.

What got them in a bind was not sick teachers. The contact tracing of the maybe. Fourteen days and you can’t test out was way too much.

The new cdc guidance of seven days with no symptoms and a negative test is better. But, if pro athletes can test out of quarantine anyone should.

 

[pitinoshairplugs]

Do you teach? If not, I don't think you understand. Teachers have to basically run a laptop and can't leave one position of the room so that students virtually can hear them (and that means students in person aren't getting a lot of help but that is already hindered by the distancing guidelines. Oh, and be careful about having that mic on too much or you might breach confidentiality of a student). Then they have to prep materials that are available for the in-person kids and the virtual kids, which sometimes means prepping two different types of materials. And much smaller classes isn't always true. In my area there are classes were teachers have four kids online and then there were 20+ in-person. There are major equity issues there too in terms of making sure the kids in both platforms are getting the same teaching, so its a tough balancing act to make sure everyone's needs are being met. If this were to continue as a model into next school year you are going to burn a lot of people out.

But hey, exploit the worker, right? I think it'd be better that we work smarter than harder.

Edit: And let me add that I'm all about changing metrics (especially for big cities - like Fayette getting to less than 10 per 10k or whatever cases for full return? Really?) or approaching this smartly, but I hate how a lot of the leadership in this crisis has been "Well I don't want to make a decision so I'll keep kicking it down the chain of command." The vague guidelines yesterday really don't give much for local leadership to work with. They have to define these hybrid setups, define which faculty should be able to work virtually, etc.

so punish the kids because
Teachers shouldn’t have to work harder like the rest of society is doing right now.

The interesting thing is that all of the teachers I know will do whatever it takes to get at least”some” in person learning. They all agree that “some” I better than none.

this “teachers shouldn’t have to work harder” crew seeks to be small but very loud

 

[TurnipDaBeet]

Oh u know yer destiny

Aaaaaaannnndyyyy

ANDY

 

[cole854]

Hopefully Andy knows how to juggle, because his comedy hour will go away as soon as the home test kits hit the shelf.