Why Are NY Teachers Getting Taxpayer-Funded Cosmetic Surgery?

A teacher’s union in a Buffalo, New York is fighting to preserve a decades-old health care plan that covers cosmetic surgery... and taxpayers are footing the bill. A new report shows that they spent nearly $3 million of taxpayer dollars on procedures like hair removal and liposuction.

Ralph Hernandez, vice president of the Buffalo school board, joined America Live to give an update on the negotiations. He said there are reassurances from the leadership of the unions that they would drop the issue before the next collective bargaining agreement.

But in a school district where only half of the kids are graduating, Megyn asked why this wasn't re-negotiated before. He said that it's been part of the Buffalo public school system for about 20 years, though he would like to see that money go toward the classroom.

In addition, Megyn pointed out that the school board went to the teachers with the news that 100 of them would have to be laid off. If the teachers gave up the health care plan with cosmetic procedures, they would not have to be let go, but they refused.

Hernandez reiterated that he has the commitment from the unions that this plan wouldn't be on the table at the next negotiation.