Capitol News Briefs

Referendum bill scheduled for Assembly vote

All WEAC members are urged to contact their state representatives and ask them to vote against a bill limiting the dates for local referenda. The Assembly is scheduled to vote on AB 105 soon. The bill requires school districts and other local units of government to schedule referendum elections only on regular election dates. WEAC is opposed to the bill and is asking members to call, write, fax or e-mail their representatives. The Legislative Hotline number is (800) 362-9472. Members can e-mail their legislators through OnWEAC’s Cyberlobby.

Professional Standards Council elects leaders

The newly created state Professional Standards Council for Teachers is beginning its work. The council elected the following officers at its last meeting: Bill Hartje, Evansville High School teacher, chair; Nancy Kauffman, dean of professional programs and outreach, UW-Green Bay, vice chair; and Curtis Fuller, student representative, UW-Oshkosh, secretary. Hartje and Fuller are WEAC members.

Tobacco settlement debate is under way

The debate over how to use the state’s $338 million settlement with the tobacco industry has officially begun with a hearing in the Capitol. The governor, attorney general, legislators and various coalitions all have proposals for the funds. WEAC supports a coalition calling for education and smoking prevention programs.

Posted March 5, 1999