We, the united educators of Arkansas and those who support them, respectfully request that all persons charged with the decision-making process in regard to public school employee health insurance create affordable plans for those who work in the public school systems. The current funding system is horribly unfair and has a negative effect on the hiring and retention of highly qualified professionals. Public school employees have a right to reasonable and affordable plans as described in the mission statement of the State and Public School Life and Health Insurance Board which states, “The board was established to set policy and to select plans and coverages…as to enhance the ability to control premiums, expand health care options…in the best interest of state and public school employees.”

Teachers and school personnel are being driven out of the professions they love by extremely high-cost health insurance, among other factors. The children of Arkansas deserve to be taught and cared for by people who are able to support their own families while doing the work to which they were called.

The photo shows the original paper petition that was circulated in 2012.