News
Release
July 10, 2007
For more information, contact
Linnae Riesen, WEAC Public Relations Specialist
608-298-2339
WEAC President Stan Johnson disappointed with Assembly budget
WEAC President Stan Johnson issued this statement following the announcement of the Assembly Republican’s budget:
“I am extremely disappointed with the short-sighted approach Assembly Republicans took with their version of the biennial state budget. It clearly shows that some of our legislators don’t value the children of Wisconsin and their future.”
Johnson also expressed his dismay over the Assembly’s broken promises from last session to increase the reimbursement rate for the very successful class-size reduction SAGE program when they increased enrollment in the Milwaukee private school voucher program. The Assembly also broke their promise by eliminating a new position that is essential to monitoring the finances and accountability of the Milwaukee private school voucher program. “The Assembly claims they want accountability in our schools, yet, they eliminated a position that would do just that.”
Assembly Republicans criticized Governor Doyle for proposing the repeal of the unfair Qualified Economic Offer, but loaded their budget up with a number of policy items including restructuring referenda election dates, restricting employment of qualified individuals, and eliminating the 180-day school year requirement.
State employees are affected by the budget cuts, as this version jeopardizes their contracts by reducing compensation and other reserves by $94.2 million.
“WEAC believes great schools benefit everyone – from kids and community members to the local economy. Investing in our future should be a priority; but instead, the Assembly budget proposal outlines short-term fixes that will harm Wisconsin’s future. Instead of looking at the big picture and investing in the next generation like our parents and grandparents have done, this budget shortchanges Wisconsin citizens and harms student programs and education professionals by slashing necessary funding.”
“These devastating budget cuts hurt everyone. It’s that simple. We’re talking about some very successful programs that are at stake - essential programs to promote early childhood development, smaller class sizes, school safety, nutrition, cultural diversity, and affordable access to Wisconsin’s technical college system. This budget hurts people - the students in our classrooms, the educators who deliver programs and maintain our schools, and the communities who benefit from the next generation of well-rounded and productive citizens.”
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