TABOR is back

A Republican state representative has resurrected the so-called Taxpayer Bill of Rights, a proposed state constitutional amendment that would severely restrict the ability of governmental units to raise the resources they need to provide quality services.

Representative Frank Lasee chose to reintroduce the measure on Friday, the day that taxes are due, a ploy that WEAC President Stan Johnson said is further illustration of the fact that TABOR is nothing more than a public relations gimmick.

"We've been through this before," Johnson said. "Last year's effort to move this through the Legislature fizzled for lack of support. Most legislators and most citizens recognize that this is flawed and reckless fiscal policy that would devastate our schools, severely hamper the ability of local governments to provide essential services, and undermine local authority."

Four nonprofit organizations that are members of an anti-TABOR coalition have created a toolkit with background information, in-depth analysis, talking points and other resources in preparation for another round of debate on the issue. The toolkit is available on the OnWEAC Members Only site.
http://www.weac.org/Capitol/2004-05/april05/tabor.htm

Republicans strip QEO repeal from bill

Republican leaders of the Joint Finance Committee removed from the state budget bill Governor Jim Doyle's proposal to repeal the Qualified Economic Offer (QEO) law. http://www.weac.org/Capitol/2004-05/april05/jfc_qeo.htm

/direct/directbullet.gif" > Burkhalter is WEAC executive director

Dan Burkhalter, who has been director of government relations for the Illinois Education Association since 1993, is the new executive director of the Wisconsin Education Association Council. The WEAC Board of Directors approved the appointment of Burkhalter last Friday. http://www.weac.org/News/2004-05/april05/burkhalter.htm

Japanese teachers seeking hosts

The WEA Professional Development Academy, in cooperation with the Department of Public Instruction and the Japanese Ministry of Education, is accepting applications from schools that wish to host a visiting teacher from Japan in the fall. Find out more about this and other professional development opportunities and classroom resources on the OnWEAC Educators' Bulletin Board.