UEA Teacher Fights for Children of Slain First Responders

Utica High School Social Studies Teacher and Utica Education Association (UEA) member Yvonne Swanson is working to make a difference in Lansing for Michigan children whose police and firefighter parents die in the line of duty. Along with Michigan State Representatives Nate Shannon-D (District 25) and Matt Koleszar-D (District 20), Swanson has been working tirelessly to lobby for House Bill 4426, which guarantees in-state college tuition for all surviving school-aged children of police officers and firefighters who were killed in the line of duty, regardless of their surviving parent’s economic circumstances. The current law caps tuition assistance based on their surviving parent’s financial status.

Swanson, who recently was invited by Shannon and Koleszar to participate in a Michigan House of Representatives 9-11 remembrance ceremony, knows a lot about how the current law affects surviving children. Her first husband, Sterling Heights Police Officer Mark Sawyers, was killed in the line of duty in 2004, leaving behind his now 16-year old daughter, Lily.

“The children are given a tuition grant but there’s an income cap, so if someone dies and you get remarried or get a better job, your children could possibly not qualify anymore, which is the case of my daughter because I now have a full-time job at Utica High School and I was remarried,” she said. “Just because my status has changed, it doesn’t mean my child’s loss is less important than others.”

Swanson says the reaction so far to the bill has been positive. They are awaiting final passage of the new state budget before going forward. She says she’s especially appreciative of her teacher’s union for giving her the support she needs to help fight this difficult legislative challenge which could help so many children. “I’m so thankful for the UEA and Michigan Education Association (MEA) which have been so helpful in supporting my efforts and helping me get the time I need in Lansing,” she said. “It also helps that both legislators who introduced this bill are also former teachers.”

Koleszar is equally passionate about gaining passage of the bill. “These families have already made the ultimate sacrifice. Supporting the surviving families of our first responders and ensuring their children have an easier path to college is the right thing for Michigan to do.”