Teachers' Unions

DPY - Teachers Unions' represent the all to familiar picture of inside the beltway special interest groups lining the coffers of the Democratic party to promote failed policy and block meaningful reform. There is no doubt that the state of public education in this country is bordering on disastrous. Yet while many of our schools lack funding for basic classroom materials, the American Federation of Teachers PAC, the 15th largest in Washington based on contributions, contributed more than two million dollars in the 2006 election cycle, 99% going to Democrats . Many of these Democrats have advocated for these unions, funneling most of our taxes appropriated for public education into the pockets of teachers while students continue to suffer at the same time screaming about a lack of funding in public education. Many in Congress and Unions think the solution to upgrading public education in the United States is to throw more money at the problem. Unionized teachers often make up to 50% more than their colleagues in private and charter schools yet their test scores continue to suffer. Kansas City’s public schools spend as much as $11,500 per pupil and yet continue to have one of the worst track records in improving education. Charter schools spend far less per pupil, pay teachers less and continue to dramatically outperform most school districts in quality of education. It’s time that Congress act to curb the influence of powerful teachers unions that serve to block meaningful reform in America’s schools.