Johnson Applauds Gov. Doyle's License Fee Veto

WEAC President Stan Johnson is commending Gov. Jim Doyle's decision to veto a teacher license fee increase contained in the budget approved by the Legislature.

The budget, which was passed by the Assembly and Senate on partyline votes, would have increased the fees teachers pay to receive a license by 50%.Both houses are controlled by Republicans.

The veto is one of the steps needed to solve some of the problems facing public education, Johnson said.

"Wisconsin is facing a potential teacher shortage, and more needs to be done in order to recruit and retain great teachers for Wisconsin's schools," Johnson said. "The ultimate solution is to eliminate the Qualified Economic Offer law, which restricts teacher compensation."

The QEO is jeopardizing Wisconsin's great schools by unfairly stripping Wisconsin teachers of their collective bargaining rights. Johnson has called on political leaders to recognize that the QEO must be repealed if Wisconsin is to continue to enjoy the best public schools in the nation.

Posted July 16, 2003