New Mexico Public Education Secretary Hanna Skandera says new state-issued $100 debit cards will help teachers buy supplies and she doesn't understand a union's objections.
Skandera told The Associated Press on Tuesday she's "utterly disappointed" the Albuquerque Teachers Federation is advising educators to decline the offer for the card. The union says it has concerns that the fine print on purchases may put teachers' licensures at risk.
Albuquerque Teachers Federation President Ellen Bernstein also says the cards were "an insult" to educators since they come as districts face teacher shortages.
Skandera says teachers can use the cards at approve vendors and a required signed agreement to get the cards are aimed at protecting tax dollars.
State officials say 23,000 teachers will get the debit cards.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.