WEAC President Mary Bell comments on the state budget

6/26/2009 4:04:16 PM

As the Assembly prepared to take up the 2009-11 state budget conference report, WEAC President Mary Bell on Friday remarked on the Senate’s approval of the report:

“Wisconsin educators continue to watch the budget process, including the conference report passed by the state Senate early Friday morning.

"We recognize that this budget reflects the difficult situation our state is in, as these are tough times for all of us. The cuts to school aid, along with lower school district revenues, will absolutely impact the quality of education and the opportunities our kids receive.

"While the budget calls for across-the-board cuts in state funding, the reality is that the impact of these cuts will vary from district to district and school to school. And while some cuts will be offset by increased one-time federal aid, it’s important that leaders recognize that the decisions they make today will have a long-term impact on student learning.

"The Senate-approved conference report includes repeal of the Qualified Economic Offer, restoring fairness to Wisconsin’s collective bargaining law for teachers. This will provide new opportunities for cooperation between teachers and administrators. The restoration of fair bargaining law for teachers is long overdue.

"Education support professionals throughout the state applaud the support of retirement equity for school support staff, a measure that shows fairness and respect for these vital school employees.

"I am also pleased to see the introduction of some accountability measures for the Milwaukee private school voucher program. This will certainly make a difference in our state’s goal of ensuring quality education to all students.

"Of course, there are other areas involved in education beyond K-12 that are impacted by the budget. While the budget currently increases general aid for technical colleges and financial aid for students there, state employees are bracing for furloughs and layoffs, and state agencies will see severe cuts.

"Wisconsin values education – even in tough times, and our state’s educators are ready to work together to advance school funding reform that will uphold our tradition of quality schools. I urge everyone – parents, school boards, business leaders and others – to join us in this worthy effort.”

State Budget