News Briefs - January 30

NEA, AFT report progress on merger

The NEA and American Federation of Teachers merger negotiations are progressing and could come to a vote this year, according to the presidents of the two groups. NEA President Bob Chase and AFT President Sandra Feldman announced last week a vote on a commitment to merge is possible at each organization’s convention this summer. “We are moving forward to present our members with what we believe is a visionary design for a new organization,” Chase said. “As forces unite to undermine our foundation of democracy - public schools - defenders of public education must unite as well.” For more on this topic, go to the NEA Web site by clicking here.

IWF study shows middle class paying more taxes

A new study by the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future shows the state’s middle class is paying a higher percentage of income on taxes than the wealthy. The study found the middle class paid 7.3 percent of income on state income, excise and sales taxes in 1995, while the wealthy paid 5.2 percent of their income on the three taxes. The study’s author recommends shifting more of those taxes to the wealthy.

Public school choice applications due this month

Parents who want to participate in the state’s new public school choice program have between Feb. 2 and Feb. 20 to apply for the program. The new state budget allows Wisconsin children to attend public school in a district other than the one in which they live. Parents must submit applications to the school district they wish their children to attend next fall. Enrollment in a district is not guaranteed and is subject to certain limitations.

Posted January 30, 1998