State Rep. Herbert Dixon of Alexandria, left, accepted the Louisiana Federation of Teachers’ Representative of the Year Award at the LFT’s 44th Annual Convention on Monday, November 24, in Covington. Presenting the award are Rapides Federation of Teachers and School Employees President Leona Venson and LFT President Steve Monaghan.
Senators Yvonne Dorsey and Lydia Jackson, Rep. Herbert Dixon receive legislative awards
(Covington – November 24, 2008) Two State Senators and a State Representative were honored today for their commitment to public education and the teachers and school employees who dedicate their careers to the children of our state.
Senator Yvonne Dorsey of Baton Rouge was named an Outstanding Senator for her unwavering support for public education. She was one of two legislators who opposed the tuition tax deduction for private schools in the Senate. The Federation saw the bill as a back-door effort to give state support to private and religious schools. Sen. Dorsey understands the pitfalls of education fads, and advocates for public school districts when charter school legislation is considered. She is the only member of the Senate to have a 100% positive voting record on all LFT issues.
Senator Lydia Jackson of Shreveport can always be counted on to support the needs of teachers and school employees. As the author of a bill providing extended sick leave for school support staff (a right that teachers already have), Sen. Jackson successfully countered opposition from the Louisiana School Boards Association to ensure an important right for school employees. She also authored a budget amendment to guarantee funds for a school employee salary supplement.Sen. Jackson was unable to attend the ceremony; her award wil be presented at a later date.
Representative Herbert Dixon of Alexandria emerged as a fighter for educators and an adroit player in the State Legislature. In his freshman year, Rep. Dixon outmaneuvered the Jindal administration to pass a $1,000 salary supplement for paraprofessionals and support personnel. An up and coming lawmaker with a great future ahead, Rep. Dixon has deep roots in the education community. His membership on the House Education Committee guarantees that teacher and school employee concerns will always get a fair hearing.
Senator Yvonne Dorsey of Baton Rouge was one of two Louisiana State Senators named Senator of the Year at the Louisiana Federation of Teachers 44th Annual Convention on Monday, November 24 in Covington. From left are East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers President Carnell Washington, Sen. Dorsey and LFT President Steve Monaghan.