Members Face Challenges in 1997-98 Legislative Session
Although WEAC members did an excellent job supporting recommended candidates
in the November election, members will face an uphill battle implementing
WEAC’s Legislative Agenda, WEAC President Terry Craney said.
Sixty-six of 94 supported candidates in state and federal races won
on November 5. But the complexities of politics are likely to pose major
challenges for passing pro-education legislation in Wisconsin.
First of all, Craney said, Governor Thompson is not likely to suddenly
support positive changes to the collective bargaining law. Secondly,
some legislative leaders who are staunchly anti-public education wield
disproportionate power.
“We are going to do everything we can to get our Legislative Agenda
passed this session,” Craney said. “But it’s going to
take a huge, grassroots lobbying effort on the part of members from
throughout the state. We need to be seen and heard — loud and clear
— on a continuous basis at the State Capitol.
“We will build strong coalitions; we will pursue an active public
relations program; and we will take our lobbying efforts to new levels.
“But nothing is more important than for members to get behind
this effort 100%.
“Members need to constantly remind their legislators — and
the public — that we have a positive, productive program for school
improvement that will build on our legacy of success and lead our public
schools into the 21st century.”
Craney applauded WEAC members for their hard work and many successes
in the fall elections.
“The teachers and school support staff worked very hard to elect
public education supporters. For the most part, they succeeded. Most
of the people elected this fall had indicated support for our Legislative
Agenda items,” Craney said.
“Our members need to constantly remind them of this and keep after
them to make sure they stay true to their word.”
Among the biggest victories were the re-election of President Clinton
and the election of Jay Johnson and Ron Kind to U.S. Congress. Results
were mixed in the State Legislature, but members can build on the the
positives.
“We must work with them to implement policies that help make Wisconsin
public schools even stronger and better,” Craney said.
Posted November 20, 1996