Thousands of teachers and other state workers are protesting Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's proposed budget bill in Madison and across the state. Walker plans to cut spending on education and other expenses by canceling existing contracts with all state workers, including teachers, nurses, prison guards, road workers, and many other laborers and professionals.
According to the
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Walker will propose cutting statewide funding for school aid by about $1 billion for next year, about 15% of the current amount. Milwaukee Public Schools are already expecting almost $100 million less in federal aid and other grants, largely because of the end of two years of federal economic stimulus funding. Walker is also considering refusing federal Title 1 aid for low-income students, which brings tens of millions of dollars each year to Milwaukee Public Schools.
I was supposed to post today about writing picture books, but that post can wait. Thursday morning, I visited second and third graders in a school that is already losing five teachers next year. Thursday afternoon, I went to Madison.
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| Protesters gathered outside the Wisconsin state capitol . . . |
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| including firefighters and police officers. |
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| Supporters from across the country . . . |
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| packed the capitol . . . |
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| chanting and cheering . . . |
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| showing democracy in action. |
I hope that state leaders can resolve this difficult issue without sacrificing workers' rights or our children's education. Because I believe that education is not only a basic right but a critical key to success and even survival, I intend to keep speaking out. You can read more about the Wisconsin budget protests here:
JoAnn Early Macken
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3 comments:
JoAnn,
Thank you for this post. The significance of keeping fine literature in the hands of kids is second only to the importance of keeping fine teachers in the lives of students. Since this post crosses state lines, it is worth noting that the proposed bill exempts fire and police as "essential", but even they recognize how essential, and central, education is to our future.
In order to have Democracy, we need an informed, educated, engaged population. I am so proud to know you, JoAnn--thank you for marching on behalf of Democracy for all of us.
I attended the U of Wisconsin so I've watched these demonstrations carefully. Wisconsin has such an excellent educational system. I hope the powers that be in Wisconsin don't let politics and their feelings toward unions impact the great education the state has built.
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