Florida Senate passes bill that would undermine most of state’s teacher unions

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LEARWATER, Fla. – Nancy Velardi has negotiated with Pinellas County Schools, one of the largest school districts across Florida, for 18 years, securing affordable health insurance for teachers and their families and working to increase salaries. 

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ut in her last term as president of the Pinellas County Teacher Association, the Republican-controlled Legislature could take away negotiating leverage from her union and others in Florida.

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he Senate voted 23-17 on Wednesday to pass a measure that would increase the required percentage of union members who pay dues from 50% to 60% for all public sector employees excluding police, firefighters and correctional

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