WEAC members needed to weigh in on critical education issues

The first opportunities for WEAC members to speak out on education issues in the Legislature begin this week.

The Joint Finance Committee begins public hearings on the all-important state budget on Wednesday, March 9, and WEAC President Stan Johnson is asking all members to get involved in the process.

This week's hearings are scheduled for Wednesday in Watertown and Friday in Cleveland.

Johnson said the budget will decide the fate of public education in Wisconsin.

"Governor Doyle has proposed a responsible, balanced plan to use taxpayer resources wisely," Johnson said. "The budget offers realistic solutions, not gimmicks."

Johnson asked members to support the governor's budget by stopping in at the Joint Finance Committee hearings or by contacting the governor's office through the OnWEAC Cyberlobby.

Voter ID bill up for hearing - WEAC members asked to voice opposition

WEAC members are asked to show their opposition to the so-called "Voter ID" bill up for hearings this month. The measure would require residents to present identification before being allowed to vote.

"WEAC opposes the measure because requiring identification will discourage many people from voting," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "The elderly, the infirm, people from minority groups who have a basic mistrust of big government, and many others will see this as a reason to not participate in the electoral process. The problem with our elections is not that too many people vote. It's that not enough people vote. We should be looking for ways to encourage voting, not discourage it."

The Senate Labor and Election Process Reform Committee is holding public hearings on the measure on March 21 in Racine and March 22 in West Allis.

Share your stories with OnWEAC

How have state-imposed school district revenue caps, the Qualified Economic Offer law, the federal so-called 'No Child Left Behind' law and/or other laws damaged your ability to provide quality education? OnWEAC is creating a library of testimonials that could open people's eyes to the problems caused by these laws.

The 'Share Your Stories' page is the place for you to share your stories about how state and federal laws are affecting the quality of education in your school or other workplace. This page highlights your personal stories about how it is becoming more difficult to teach children and adult students to learn in K-12 schools, technical colleges and state institutions.

With your participation, the Share Your Stories section of OnWEAC will provide a library of testimonials that could have an impact on future legislation.