Wisconsin State Budget Deficit Situation is ‘Worse Than Grim’

Make no mistake about it - Wisconsin’s financial picture is worse than grim, according to WEAC President Stan Johnson.

The state’s two-year shortfall has been estimated at more than $4 billion.

Gov. Jim Doyle, who officially took office on January 6, has said he will balance the budget without raising taxes.

“WEAC is working to provide input as the new administration develops the education section of the budget,” Johnson said. “We will emphasize the importance of adequate funding to maintain and strengthen Wisconsin’s great schools. We are emphasizing the fact that great schools depend on great teachers and staff.”

Johnson said the education community is also realistic about the problem.

“The state budget deficit is even larger than talked about during the gubernatorial campaign,” according to Johnson. “Growing the state economy is a difficult balancing act and the long-term economic interests of our members and their families depend on stronger economic growth.”

Johnson said WEAC members need better compensation.

“Wages for today, high quality, cost-effective health care, and protection in our retirement years are critical,” said Johnson. “We know there is pain along the way to recovery, but we are going to work on ending the QEO and bring back some balance in the bargaining process.”

The governor is not expected to put forward his budget proposal until sometime in February.

Whatever the proposed state budget cuts, it is WEAC’s intention to focus on rectifying the QEO problem.

“We can improve our members’ well-being step by step by being smart and focused,” Johnson said. “We have waited far too long to see the end of the QEO. That is one light bulb we want to turn off so our members can begin to see the real light of respect and future economic improvements.

Posted January 10, 2003