Linda McCulloch speaks up
for state employees

She may work for schools, but MEA-MFT member and Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch understands the needs of state employees, too.

After all, she heads up a state agency herself. And she's an MEA-MFT member - she "gets it" when it comes to state employees.

Here's the testimony Linda offered at the Senate Finance Committee hearing on the state pay plan (HB 447) February 14:

Linda McCulloch testimony on HB 447
For the record, I am Linda McCulloch, Montana's Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Many thanks to Rep. Gallik for bringing forth the state pay plan bill to honor the agreement between the unions representing our state employees, those state employees themselves, and Governor Schweitzer.

Our most precious resource in state government is our state employees.

They are the folks who keep our communities safe regarding incarceration of criminals in our state prison.

They are the folks who take care of our grandparents and neighbors in our community nursing homes.

They are the folks who draft your bills, write your fiscal notes, and guide you through this legislative process for 90 days every other year.

And, dear to my heart, they are the folks who distribute funds to our school districts, accredit our schools, license almost 25,000 folks to teach in Montana, and administer federal programs that supplement our state and local funds to our schools. And much, much more.

They are the faces that are constant in our state government, making sure Montanans are properly served each and every day by our state government.

My sincere thanks to our state employees who give 110% and more as they serve the people of Montana. This is the time to show respect for their dedication to our state.

Please pass HB 447 as written to honor the agreement between state employees and Governor Schweitzer.

Thank you for your time today!