Death by a Thousand Cuts'
Revenue controls were the "Temptation Island" of the
early 1990s. They sounded like a good idea. until reality set in.
| 
Speaking to a State Capitol rally,
WEAC President Terry Craney said school district revenue controls
are creating "death by a thousand cuts" for Wisconsin
schools. The coffin, representing the death of schools, was set
up by rally organizers. |
Seven years after revenue controls were imposed on school
districts. reality has set in with a vengeance. Revenue controls are devastating
our schools. The evidence is clear. Studies, testimony and personal experience
all show the same thing. Our children are suffering.
I hear stories of paper and classroom supplies being
exhausted in April - two months before the end of the school year - because
of cuts in school budgets.
Teachers cannot do their jobs because of revenue controls.
Teachers in some classrooms in this state are still
using 1970s and 1980s technology. What private sector business - or even
what other government entity - would still be using Apple IIE computers?
In a state with one of the top education systems in
the country, revenue controls have caused a disgraceful situation. Schools
can no longer afford to buy books, computers, and supplies for their students.
They can't afford to maintain and repair buildings. They are being forced
to increase class sizes. cut vital education programs. and charge new
fees for activities that were once free for all students.
Some school districts are even talking about bankruptcy.
The Institute for Wisconsin's Future, MICAH and other
groups deserve a great deal of credit for making the public aware of this
crisis.
WEAC will release a study in a few days with even more
evidence of the harm caused by revenue controls.
There is no doubt: revenue caps are damaging the quality
of education in schools throughout Wisconsin. It's a death by a thousand
cuts.
Politicians are being penny-wise and pound-foolish.
Revenue controls are shortsighted. The longer revenue controls are in
place, the longer it will take. and the more taxpayer dollars it will
take. to rebuild our school system.
Great schools benefit everyone. We all agree that every
kid deserves a great school. every kid deserves to be in a classroom that
works with a top-notch teacher. But revenue controls are preventing this
basic right in districts throughout Wisconsin.
We call on the Legislature to end revenue controls.
before Wisconsin becomes last in the nation. instead of first. Our children,
our future, deserve no less.