Mich. Chamber Suspects MEA Behind Recall Attempts

LANSING (WWJ) - The state's teachers union is under fire over reports that it's behind several high-profile recall attempts. WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick reports that the Chamber of Commerce is taking on the Michigan Education Association for supposedly getting involved in legislative recalls.

"It's a sad day for Michigan government and politics when a once proud professional association of teachers gets down in the mud and gets involved in that kind of partisan politics," said Chamber President Richard Studley.

"I think it will push people apart and make the environment here in Lansing increasingly partisan and more difficult to work together," he said.

Studley calls it "sour grapes," but a lobbyist for the MEA disagrees.

"There was a declaration that nobody cares about public sector unions, MEA or, for that matter, public education," said Don Noble.

"I don't think it's sour grapes, I think it's pure defense. If you're being attacked, you have to defend," Noble said.

Skubick says that, for the past six months, organized labor and busniess leaders have been "at eachother's throats" over some of Gov. Rick Snyder's policies. Members of the teacher's union have said they're simply trying to hold politicians accountable.