JANUARY 15, 2010: Education reform has been front and center with the House and Senate here on Beacon Hill ever since the Legislature returned to formal activity last week. Yesterday, the two branches reached an agreement, which will double the number of charter schools and allows superintendents more power over under performing teachers. Dismissed teachers would have the right to arbitration. By passing this bill prior to a January 20 Federal deadline, the state will be eligible for $200 million in additional federal funds.

Next on the State House agenda is Governor Patrick's annual State of the State address next Thursday night, January 23rd. At this time we will be given a preview of the FY11 State Budget, next July's budget, which will include an appropriation for state and teacher retirees pension funds, including the necessary language for a 3% COLA. He will file this budget with the legislature before the end of January. His State of the State address is expected to include a reference to some of the pension reform proposals, which are now pending in the Legislature as a result of last year's report from the Special Commission to Study the Massachusetts' Retirement Systems.