Joint Finance Committee Seeks Input on State Budget

WEAC members are making sure that education is a top priority for legislators as they begin work on the 1999-2001 state budget.

Members are testifying and talking to legislators about education issues in the proposed budget. The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee is holding public hearings throughout the state in the next few weeks, and WEAC members will be present to advocate for public schools, educators and students.

WEAC representatives will urge legislators to repeal or change revenue controls, repeal the Qualified Economic Offer law, increase funding for special education, and remove policy items like subcontracting and charter school expansion from the budget.

“The budget is the most important document in state government,” WEAC President Terry Craney said. “The budget determines education policy that will directly affect schools, educators and children not only for two years, but for many years into the future. It is imperative we make our views known.”

The field hearings are scheduled for:

• Thursday, April 8, J. I. Case High School, Racine
• Tuesday, April 13, UW-Stevens Point University Center
• Wednesday, April 14, Osceola High School, Osceola
• Thursday, April 15, State Capitol.