Notes from JFC Hearing
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 11, 2019
Yesterday, the Joint Finance Committee held it’s second of four public hearings on the 2019-21 state budget bill in Oak Creek. The SAA was well-represented with superintendents Keith Posley (Milwaukee) and Deb Kerr (Brown Deer) providing testimony. Deb Kerr was also joined by a team of Brown Deer administrators. The following business managers also provided testimony: John Stellmacher (Hartford), Jonathan Mitchell (St. Francis), Andrew Chromy (Oak Creek), Mike Gerlach (Fond du Lac), and Blaise Paul (South Milwaukee). I’m also pleased to report that at least two special education directors, Amanda Mack (St. Francis) and Bridget Kotarak (Kenosha), delivered very compelling testimony on the need for increased funding for special education.
Many thanks to these SAA members for their leadership.
For those of you planning to testify at one of the remaining hearings, here are my suggestions:
- Get there early. I know the hearings don’t start until 10:00 a.m., but if you wish to speak before 1:00 p.m. get there by 7:30 a.m.
- You will only have 2 minutes to testify. There will likely be no questions from legislators.
- Bring 1 hard copy of your testimony with your full contact information on it for the committee members.
- Briefly, tell your district’s story (size, location, student body makeup, challenges, etc.)
- Use the information in the SAA’s recent Budget Alert to stay on message. It is very important for us to stay focused.
- Remember, the JFC is in control of the budget process right now. Be respectful and say “thank you”.
Once again, we need a strong showing at the remaining JFC budget hearings. If you have questions about testifying please call me at 608-242-1370.
Here are the upcoming hearing locations and times:
- 10 am – 5 pm: Monday, April 15, University Center – Riverview Ballroom, UW-River Falls University Center – Riverview Ballroom #260, 500 Wild Rose Avenue, River Falls, WI 54022
- 10 am – 5 pm: Wednesday, April 24, University Union – Phoenix Rooms, UW-Green Bay University Union – Phoenix Rooms, 2430 Campus Court, Green Bay, WI 54311
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
MU Poll: 74% Favor “Major Increase” in Special Education Aid
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 10, 2019
According to the Marquette University Law School Poll released today, 70% of respondents say the state should accept federal funds to expand Medicaid coverage while 23% say no.
74% favor a “major increase” in state aid for special education while 19% say they do not. Check out the coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Reminder — Moving Expenses Now Taxable Wages
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 9, 2019
From the Legal Side . . .
BoardmanClark provided the SAA with the following information regarding how moving expenses are handled under the new tax law passed at the end of 2017. We think this is important information for SAA members and we are posting it with the permission of BoardmanClark.
“The new tax law passed at the end of 2017 changed the taxation of the reimbursement of an employee’s moving expenses. Previously, an employer could reimburse an employee for qualified moving expenses and the reimbursement would not be subject to income or employment taxes. Under the new tax law and starting as of January 1, 2018, any amounts paid as a reimbursement of an employee’s moving expenses are subject to income and employment taxes. These amounts would be included as taxable wages on an employee’s W-2. Employers can still reimburse reasonable moving expenses but the employer should make sure that all amounts reimbursed are treated as taxable wages subject to income and employment tax.”
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update, SAA Legal Side | No Comments »
Evers and Legislative Leaders are Barely Talking
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 9, 2019
I found this news story about the current lack of engagement between Governor Evers and GOP legislative leadership interesting. Check it out.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Notes from JFC Hearing
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 9, 2019
Last Friday, April 5th, the Joint Finance Committee held it’s first of four public hearings on the 2019-21 state budget bill in Janesville. The SAA was well-represented with the following school superintendents providing testimony: Rick Waski (Monroe), Pat DeKlotz (Kettle Moraine), Steve Pophal (Janesville), Pam Streich (Lake Mills), and Jill Underly (Pecatonica). Business managers Brad Boll (Beloit Turner) and Jamie Merath (Evansville) also provided testimony. Many thanks to these SAA members for their leadership.
For those of you planning to testify at one of the remaining hearings, here are my suggestions:
- Get there early. I know the hearings don’t start until 10:00 a.m., but if you wish to speak before 1:00 p.m. get there by 7:30 a.m.
- You will only have 2 minutes to testify. There will likely be no questions from legislators.
- Bring 1 hard copy of your testimony with your full contact information on it for the committee members.
- Briefly, tell your district’s story (size, location, student body makeup, challenges, etc.)
- Use the information in the SAA’s recent Budget Alert to stay on message. It is very important for us to stay focused.
- Remember, the JFC is in control of the budget process right now. Be respectful and say “thank you”.
Once again, we need a strong showing at the remaining JFC budget hearings. If you have questions about testifying please call me at 608-242-1370.
Here are the upcoming hearing locations and times:
- 10 am – 5 pm: Wednesday, April 10, Oak Creek Community Center, Oak Creek – 8580 South Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154
- 10 am – 5 pm: Monday, April 15, University Center – Riverview Ballroom, UW-River Falls University Center – Riverview Ballroom #260, 500 Wild Rose Avenue, River Falls, WI 54022
- 10 am – 5 pm: Wednesday, April 24, University Union – Phoenix Rooms, UW-Green Bay University Union – Phoenix Rooms, 2430 Campus Court, Green Bay, WI 54311
Topics: Legislative Action, SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »