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June 25, 2007
For more information, contact
Dustin Beilke, WEAC media relations officer
608-235-2960
Johnson comments on Senate health care proposal
WEAC President Stan Johnson released a statement Monday (June 25, 2007) regarding a budget amendment announced by Democratic members of the State Senate who have developed a new plan to guarantee quality, affordable health care for every person who lives in Wisconsin. Johnson said he believes now is the time to address the state’s health care crisis. Doing so will strengthen the state’s economic future and aid WEAC members’ work in the classroom.
Johnson issued the following statement:
“WEAC supports universal health care, and we believe a working classroom is one where students are healthy, engaged and ready to learn. Working families and children should have access to quality, affordable health care, and healthy communities are strong communities. Wisconsin’s future depends on healthy families.
“The United States is in the midst of a health care cost crisis, and Wisconsin has some of the highest health care costs in the nation. This affects everyone in the state, and damages businesses, farmers, public employees, and working families alike.
“Like o ther workers, Wisconsin teachers are struggling to maintain affordable health care. Under the Qualified Economic Offer law teacher salaries decreased almost 10% last decade in order to pay for insurance. Teachers and school staff continue to search for cost-effective plans and innovative strategies to help control costs.
“The Senate Democrats are leading Wisconsin to make smart investments in our families and the state’s future. Just like educators know that investing in education benefits everyone; these legislators understand that smart investments to ensure healthy Wisconsin families will lead to a vibrant economy and a better future.”
