Statement on the Proposed State Budget

Statement on the Proposed State Budget By Pete Flesch Crawford County Board Chair Despite the promised removal of language gutting Wisconsin's open records law, this proposed budget is still a disaster that deserves to be rejected. Here are some of the reasons why: Transportation Funding: A path to nowhere This budget does nothing to address sustainability of the transportation fund, where revenues continue to decline. Instead it puts half a billion dollars on the state's credit card and delays needed maintenance and repair. How far do you suppose that $5 of property tax relief will go towards replacing our cars' battered struts and shocks...

RETURNING THE BRIBE

Recently, I sent checks to five public schools in Wisconsin along with a letter explaining my actions. I can't in good conscience accept the "bribe" of a so-called tax refund when it impacts the welfare of my grandchildren and over 800,000 students attending public schools. I believe in investing in our great public schools and the children who attend them. The generations who came before me invested in my public education. I am forever grateful to them. The previous generations wanted a better life for us and knew that a public education was the key to that better life. They knew an educated populace is crucial for our representative ...

A LETTER FROM A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER

Angela Bina is a Spokane, Washington teacher. She moved to Washington a year ago after having taught 18 years in Wisconsin. WEA (Washington Education Association) is sharing her letter. Dear Union, Thank you. It’s the least I can say, and the very least I can do. I’ve missed the sense of belonging and unity that you bring. I miss being “one” with my colleagues. I’ve been “separate” for too long, having to ask if my colleagues are members or potential members. I’ve missed the certainty and clarity which comes with a Master Agreement. An employee handbook just does not cut it, especially when it can be changed at will. ...

“I Don’t Have a Clue” – School Play Mirrors Confusion in Assembly Education Committee

“Edgar: All right, everybody; back to the scene of the crime. “Ella: New clues? “Carol: What clues? “Bob: What’s the next clue? “Carol: I don’t have a clue. “Norman: (At the window box, dramatically.) Guys, the body’s gone!” So goes the hilarious comedy written by Craig Sodaro and performed by Alma students. The play begins as a murder mystery dinner invitation and ends wrapped up in an international smuggling ring. Students spent the last three and a half months practicing lines and preparing costumes. Play Director Tom Brakke coordinated a cast of roughly a quarter of Alma’s Middle and High Schoolers with ...

Quotations From Republican Senator Dale Schultz

By the Middle Wisconsin Editorial Board “We are now literally dismantling the state government, and people need to think long and hard about what they want for a future in our state,” “The K-12 system in the last few years has laid off 3,000 personnel, and it looks to me like that’s going to accelerate. Out my way, I would not be shocked if a huge percentage of school districts wind up going to referendum to have the privilege of raising their own property tax because the state has walked away from its principal responsibility of providing for a free, appropriate and near equal education for everybody.” “The university ...

Let’s Pay the Bills First – Senator Kathleen Vinehout

The following article is a reprint of a recent news release by Senator Kathleen Vinehout to the people of Wisconsin. Middle Wisconsin feels strongly that the citizens need to be aware of the harm being done to our public schools and our children by the transfer of tax dollars to private institutions. Let's Pay the Bills First by Senator Kathleen Vinehout “I don’t want another cent from the state until you guys pay the bills,” the business-owner from Durand told me. “I am tired of hearing about tax cuts and deficits.” “I want all the bills paid: schools, roads, Medicaid, the tech colleges, the debt, all of them paid. Then ...