100 Converge on Capitol for Lobby Day

About 100 WEAC members from throughout Wisconsin traveled to Madison Thursday (February 26, 2004) to advocate in the Capitol for great schools.

Members met with their legislators and staff to talk about critical education issues under consideration in the last few days of the session. The Legislature's last official day for floor votes on regular-session bills is March 11.

Public education has been under attack in this session, WEAC Legislative Program Coordinator Bob Burke told members before they met with lawmakers. He blamed it on the Legislature's "lack of respect for – or understanding of – your work," and a "hostile legislative leadership and process."

Burke said teachers and education support professionals have a great deal of influence when they personally lobby their legislators.

"You are expert in what happens in the classroom every day," he said. "You know how it really works. Staff and legislators appreciate your input." He said the information from members can change perspectives.

Members lobbied legislators and their staff on several key issues, including the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR), a constitutional amendment that would limit local spending.

Burke said that proposal would cause "long-term, irreparable harm to education."

Members also talked to their lawmakers about concerns over a renewed call for a statewide property tax freeze, which Burke said would "cause immediate and massive harm to great schools."

WEAC members also explained their perspective on legislative attacks on bargaining, especially attacks on member rights to bargain health care.

WEAC President Stan Johnson said lobby days are a critical part of advocating for great schools and classrooms that work.

"Face-to-face discussions generate direct responses from legislators and staff, and they also build relationships with legislators that further the Great Schools agenda," he said.

Posted February 27, 2004