TABOR forums planned

Technical college faculty and staff will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), the proposed amendment to Wisconsin’s Constitution that would severely restrict the ability of local and state government – including the technical colleges – to raise the funds necessary to maintain quality services. TABOR would place an artificial cap on government spending, thereby limiting the services provides to Wisconsin citizens.

The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families is sponsoring six brief educational forums this winter titled “The Trouble with TABOR”. The forums focus on the potential impact of TABOR on the quality of life in your community and on children and families in Wisconsin. All citizens are invited to attend.

Upcoming forums are scheduled for:

  • Cleveland (Sheboygan/Manitowoc): Wednesday, January 25, at Lakeshore Technical College, Lakeshore Building, 1290 North Avenue. The forum is in the Wisconsin Training Room on the second floor. Parking is in the Conference and Staff lot to the east of the building.
  • Eau Claire: Wednesday, February 8, at Chippewa Valley Technical College, Business Education Center, 620 West Clairemont Avenue. The forum is in Room 30A in the lower level. Parking in lots P3, P8 and P9.
  • Green Bay: Wednesday, February 15, at Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine Street. The forum is in Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 on the lower level. Parking is free at meters on the street in the evening. There is also a ramp one block west of the library.
Each event begins at 6 p.m. with videotaping of personal messages to share with elected officials and others. The one-hour forums begin at 6:30 p.m. Forums have already been held in La Crosse, Fond du Lac and West Allis. According to the WCCF, at the forums, you will:
  • Learn more about how TABOR takes politicians off the hook for the tough decisions that we elect them to make.
  • Hear from people in your community about how this policy would impact you, your family and your neighbors.
  • Find out why the people of Colorado stopped this failed policy in a recent referendum.
  • Record a video message about your concerns - and let elected leaders and others know what you value and want to preserve and protect.
  • These events are free and open to the public. The WCCF is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that provides education, research and advocacy for the well-being of children and families in our state.


For more information, call (608) 206-1518 or visit the WCCF Web site.

Several powerful legislators continue to advocate for TABOR’s passage. It is anticipated that the Wisconsin Legislature will vote on some form of TABOR in the coming months.

Opponents of TABOR – which includes a broad range of community, non-profit and labor organizations – believe TABOR would threaten the quality of our schools, child protective services, care for seniors, universities and technical schools, parks, libraries, roads and the quality of life in our state.

The Wisconsin Constitution can only be altered after successful passage of an amendment in two successive legislative sessions and approval in a statewide referendum.