The “Why” Behind SAA PAC
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | March 1, 2022
Why does the SAA financially support political candidates through SAA PAC?
- To help re-elect “friends of public education”. If we don’t help them, the advocates for expanding private school vouchers and independent charter schools are more than willing to write the checks.
- To strengthen our working relationships with legislators in key positions to impact education legislation inside the State Capitol.
- Ultimately, our goal is to wield significant influence on legislation impacting public education. And influence is all about relationships.
Can the SAA’s comparatively small amount of campaign contributions have any impact in the current sea of campaign cash?
- Yes. We focus our limited resources on individuals in key positions that have lots of influence over education legislation. In this fashion, our resources can achieve tremendous “bang for the buck”.
Why do we have to make campaign contributions? Shouldn’t legislators simply listen to SAA members because of their expertise?
- I’m reminded of the age-old debate about “what should be” vs. “what is”. Clearly our current system of influence is not perfect; far from it. We do need fundamental campaign finance reform. It simply isn’t coming anytime soon. Right now, our current system is the only system within which we can advocate on behalf of the kids in our schools.
- Finally, SAA members contributing to the SAA PAC is an extremely “selfless” political act. Why? Because they know they will never personally gain anything by that contribution. Businesses on the other hand make significant contributions with the expectation that it will improve their business. SAA members make these contributions on behalf of Wisconsin school children.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
SAA PAC Frequently Asked Questions
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | February 28, 2022
In 2003, the SAA Legislative Committee created SAA PAC, which is supported by members of all five SAA member associations, to strengthen the identity of the SAA and to improve the management of our combined political activities. The SAA Legislative Committee believes that SAA PAC is vitally important to our objective of establishing a comprehensive SAA giving program designed to strengthen our relationships with lawmakers and influence legislation.
What is SAA PAC?
SAA PAC is the SAA’s registered political action committee (PAC) in Wisconsin. A PAC is any political committee, other than a candidate committee or a political party committee, which receives contributions, distributes funds, or incurs obligations for the purpose of influencing the election or defeat of candidates to state or local office. SAA PAC funds are used for campaign contributions designed to help reelect “friends of public education,” strengthen our relationships with key legislators and, ultimately, to influence legislation. SAA PAC is the SAA’s primary campaign contribution vehicle.
How are SAA PAC funds distributed?
The SAA Executive Director develops a PAC contribution plan that conforms to the following SAA PAC contribution guidelines. This plan is subject to the approval of the SAA Board of Directors. It is also reviewed by the SAA Legislative Committee. The distribution of SAA PAC campaign contributions is largely limited to:
- Candidates with a proven record of support for public education and SAA positions on issues.
- Candidates with a strong vision for the future of public education.
- Selected members of the Senate and Assembly education committees.
- Members of the Joint Committee on Finance.
- Key legislators in positions of power.
- Each of the four legislative campaign committees controlled by leadership (i.e., Committee to Elect a Republican Senate) in equal amounts.
Are political contributions tax deductible?
No. (Sorry, but it’s the law.)
How do I contribute?
If you are interested in supporting the SAA PAC, the SAA has a secure on-line credit card option for your SAA PAC contributions. Simply access the SAA website (www.wsaa.org) and hit the Donate Now button on the left-hand side of our home page.
Please note, the Wisconsin Elections Commission advises members to make online contributions from a personal electronic device and not on school servers!
Paid for by SAA Political Action Committee, Beth Holznagel, Treasurer
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Masking in Schools and on School Buses — An Update
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | February 28, 2022
From the Legal Side…
In its most recent School Law FYI, the BoardmanClark Law Firm focuses on the CDC’s new guidance (issued February 25, 2022) regarding masking in schools and on school buses.
The SAA regularly receives these legal updates and we believe this is valuable information for SAA members. We are distributing this update to SAA members with the permission of the BoardmanClark Law Firm. The information in this update is no substitute for consulting with your district legal counsel, and we encourage you to do so.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update, SAA Legal Side | No Comments »
Assembly Ends Session; Senate to Meet in March
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | February 26, 2022
From The Wheeler Report . . .
The Assembly adjourned pursuant to SJR-1 last Thursday night, indicating the end of their session. The Senate is expected to meet at least once the week of March 7 which is the last week of the regular floor period. As the regular session comes to an end, the legislators still have to address the Special Session the Governor called which would start on March 8. It is expected both houses will adjourn the Special Session without taking up any of the Governor’s proposals. While it appears session is ending and legislators will be returning to their districts to begin running for office, the Wheeler Report has been asked by several individuals if they are prohibited from returning. The answer is no. The Legislature can call itself into Extraordinary Session at any time by passing a ballot in both Senate and Assembly Organization. It is rare for them to come in during election season, but it is not impossible.
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »
Session Winds Down — Election Season Begins
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | February 26, 2022
From The Wheeler Report . . .
As the legislative session winds down, the state election season begins. The 2022 fall partisan primary will be held on August 9, and the general election will be held on November 8. The following state government seats will be on the November ballot:
- Governor/ Lt. Governor – Tony Evers/Mandela Barnes Incumbent (Barnes is running for U.S. Senator)
- Secretary of State – Doug LaFollette Incumbent
- State Treasurer – Sarah Godlweski Incumbent (Running for U.S. Senator)
- Attorney General – Josh Kaul Incumbent
- U.S. Senator – Ron Johnson Incumbent
- Congress
- District 1 – Bryan Steil
- District 2 – Mark Pocan
- District 3 – Ron Kind (Retiring)
- District 4 – Gwen Moore
- District 5 – Scott Fitzgerald
- District 6 – Glenn Grothman
- District 7 – Tom Tiffany
- District 8 – Mike Gallagher
- State Senate
- District 1 – Andre Jacque
- District 3 – Tim Carpenter
- District 5 – Dale Kooyenga
- District 7 – Chris Larson
- District 9 – Devin LeMahieu
- District 11 – Steve Nass
- District 13 – John Jagler
- District 15 – Janis Ringhand
- District 17 – Howard Marklein
- District 19 – Roger Roth (Running for Lt. Governor)
- District 21 – Van Wanggaard
- District 23 – Kathy Bernier (Retiring)
- District 25 – Janet Bewley (Retiring)
- District 27 – Jon Erpenbach (Retiring)
- District 29 – Jerry Petrowski
- District 31 – Jeff Smith
- District 33 – Chris Kapenga
- All 99 Assembly Districts
Topics: SAA Capitol Reports, SAA Capitol Reports with Email Notifications, SAA Latest Update | No Comments »