Walker Approval Remains Flat, Disapproval Ticks Up
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 22, 2016
From WisPolitics.com …
The latest Marquette University Law School Poll found Gov. Scott Walker’s job approval rating staying flat, though those who disapprove of his work ticked up.
Forty-three percent of registered voters approved of the job Walker is doing, while 52 percent disapproved. That split was 43-49 in late August.
The poll also found an improvement in President Obama’s job approval rating. Fifty-four percent approved of his job performance, while 41 percent did not. In late August, his split was 49-45.
Thirty-eight percent had a favorable rating of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, while 32 percent had an unfavorable one and 30 percent expressed no opinion. When last asked in June, that split was 37-33 with 31 percent expressing no opinion.
House Speaker Paul Ryan’s favorable rating split was 47-32, compared to 54-33 in early August.
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Walker/Vos Transportation Funding Feud Continues
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 22, 2016
From WisPolitics . . .
— The feud between Gov. Scott Walker and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos over transportation funding continued yesterday, with Walker asking for “specific alternatives” to his proposal.
Walker today sent a letter to Vos asking Assembly GOP leaders to “stand with the taxpayer” and ensure their taxes and fees don’t go up. Vos and Joint Finance co-chair John Nygren have said all options, including revenue increases, need to be on the table to meet a projected $939.1 million gap in the transportation fund.
In his letter, Walker acknowledged “we have more work to do” on transportation but that the biennial budget proposal he rolled out last week is a “good start.” The proposal, he noted, would lower bonding to $500 million from the $850 million in the current budget. It also would boost local aids by $65 million and puts nearly $70 million toward maintenance and safety.
Walker said he released his proposal months early to start a discussion and is “willing to consider any specific alternatives from Assembly leadership that live within taxpayer means.”
“I am willing to consider alternatives and options that do not grow the size of government,” Walker wrote. “I believe we can agree that we did not get elected as conservatives to raise taxes or fees.”
See Walker’s letter here.
— Late yesterday afternoon, Vos and Assembly GOP leaders replied with their own letter saying Walker’s proposal “doesn’t address the long-term transportation needs” of the state.
In the letter, Assembly GOP leaders say they’re “pleased to hear that you agree more work needs to be done.” They said Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, will hold informational hearings so that the chamber can develop an alternative plan.
“Your office and the Department of Transportation have had months to develop a budget proposal, we would like to take the first step by holding hearings and asking experts about the future ramifications of the budget request,” they wrote.
Among the things they want studied are the impacts of Walker’s proposed project delays, which includes an expansion of I-94 north-south that goes through Vos’ district. Under Walker’s plan, they said, “the unfortunate reality is that these roads may not be done in our lifetime.”
“You have often said that we must do what’s best for the next generation and not worry about the next election,” they wrote. “We look forward to using this theme as we work together with you and our Senate colleagues to create a fiscally conservative and responsible long-term funding solution.”
See the letter here.
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State of Education Address Foreshadows Budget Priorities
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 15, 2016
In a passionate State of Education address today, grounded in his lifetime service to public education, State Superintendent Tony Evers foreshadowed priorities of the 2017-19 state budget request he will submit to the governor later this fall. He touched on the importance of
– providing resources to students that reflect the need to increase equity and close achievement gaps,
– building the educator workforce so every student has a teacher who is well trained and well compensated, and
– paying for schools in a way that avoids mounting inequalities.
Additional information is available in the attached news release. This release will be posted to the Department of Public Instruction newsroom website later today.
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No Time To Lose
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 13, 2016
I don’t often recommend an education reform study to SAA members. But, I am today. Last month, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) released “No Time to Lose: How to Build a World Class Education System State by State.”
Why am I recommending it? The study is authored by a bipartisan group of state legislators from across the country including Senator Luther Olsen, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee in Wisconsin. It has a simple approach — research the nations/provinces with the highest performing education systems and make reform recommendations based on the lessons learned. The recommendations are evidence based and largely aligned with the SAA’s evidence-based policy agenda. Finally, the authors recommend that each state launch an inclusive, high-level reform process without delay.
Can I get an Amen? Check it out!!
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AEF to Release New School Funding Study
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | September 12, 2016
On Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 2:00PM, State Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) and State Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) will host a public press conference in the Assembly Parlor. The Association for Equity in Funding will release a new study, “Wisconsin School Funding and Student Outcome: Systemic Roadblock to Opportunity.” The study has important implications for Wisconsin schools and the communities they serve.
See the news release here.
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