Walker's Budget Repair Bill Could Cost Kids, Local Lawmaker Says

Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill carries a cost not yet measured in dollars, a cost that will be carried, in part, on the backs of kids, according to one North Shore legislator.

The proposed bill reduces public employee insurance and pension benefits in order to save the state millions of dollars over the next two years. The bill also strips public employees of their bargaining rights, which could prove the more costly element of the bill, said Rep. Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay).

"We have some of the best teachers in the state and to take away their position at the table, to not give them a voice, will hurt our kids in the long run," said Pasch, whose district includes Fox Point and Shorewood.

The bill has spawned protests from neighborhood schools' steps to the Capitol steps in Madison, and is expected to be voted on Thursday.

The bill exempts public safety employees, including police officers, firefighters, state troopers and inspectors. Public school staff and faculty represent one of the largest employee groups affected by the bill.

"Some of the teachers in the North Shore have incredible experience and have done so much for our kids," Pasch said. "To diminish their importance, they may look elsewhere," which not only costs kids, but could cost North Shore communities' their quality education.

State Rep. Jim Ott (R-Mequon), who represents Bayside in the Legislature,  declined to comment on the measure. And  state Sen. Alberta Darling  (R-River Hills) could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Although emotions run high about the bill and its potential implications, Rachel Boechler, Fox Point-Bayside School District administrator, said most teachers are keeping the issue out of their classrooms to avoid burdening students. 

"They’re being amazingly professional despite being very concerned about the loss in benefits, loss in collective bargaining rights and feeling devalued," Boechler said.

"They’re feeling like public educators are being targeted and not seen for what they add to the state of Wisconsin in terms of preparing kids for the future."

However, at least one local teacher, Bayside Middle School's Cary Tianen, was among the Wednesday afternoon to march against the bill.

“Union workers are being attacked,” Tianen said. “(Walker) is using the guise of economic difficulties to justify doing this.”

Although the bill stirs strong emotions, teacher walkouts are not expected in the Fox Point-Bayside School District, as faculty put students first, said Mark Conforti, a 25-year math teacher with the district and a union representative.

 "We’re just not bringing it into the classroom and into the school," Conforti said. "It’s bigger than schools, so we’re just choosing not to try and impact our kids with this at all."

Still, area teachers are worried about what could happen if the bill passes as proposed.

"It’s a huge issue. You only feel helpless at this point," Conforti said. " I don’t think they’ve thought this through, the impact it’ll have on schools and teachers. It’s our right to bargain."

"It’s so abrupt and harsh," Boechler said. "I don’t think there’s any educator who doesn't see a need for recalibration, but this seems almost vindictive in how harsh collective bargaining is being changed." 

Menomonee Falls Patch Editor Carl Engelking contributed to this report.