‘We Must Not be Silent,' NEA President Tells UTCC RA

WEAC President Stan Johnson and NEA President Reg Weaver commend Leigh Barker's dedication to coordinating services for WEAC's Wisconsin Technical College System members. Photo gallery

By Linnae Riesen

NEA President Reg Weaver praised the efforts of Wisconsin's technical colleges for the tremendous services they provide to the state's economy during his address at the United Technical College Council Representative Assembly in Waukesha April 8.

"Technical colleges are a very important segment of public education; what they do is extremely important, and we appreciate them," Weaver said. "Citizens of this state depend on you to provide skills, tools, and to keep the doors of opportunity in Wisconsin open."

Weaver encouraged educators to question the government's budget cuts to public education services, citing $145 million in cuts to employment and training activities, and $100 million in cuts to youth training programs.

"Something is desperately wrong when people say they won't leave a child behind, and they try to level education," Weaver said. "We must not be silent!"

With 2006 and 2008 elections around the corner, Weaver invited members to be involved in the decisions that affect public education at the local, state, and national level.

"As long as you are in your job – in education – every decision is a political decision," he said. "I'm sick and tired of people making decisions for me, without asking me, in spite of me. I'm going to affect my circumstances or somebody else will."

Weaver said when you protect public education, you protect the future of our nation.

"We, as educators, know a solid education provides tools Americans need to compete," he said. "It was true yesterday; it's true in today's global economy. We've got to hold the government's feet to the fire until they get the message."

Posted April 10, 2006