A Busy Session
April 2011
The Wisconsin Legislature is in full swing deliberating the State Budget along with several hundred stand alone bills on varying topics. And to complicate things, a recall election for nine Wisconsin state senators has been slated for July 12 (primary) and August 9 (general). At WCSA, however, we are keeping our eye on the prize—charter school reform legislation that would strengthen Wisconsin’s existing law with additional accountability and autonomy for schools and authorizers.
The legislation, sponsored by Senators Darling and Olsen and Representatives Vos and Kestell would include the following: Creation of a statewide charter school authorizer; Improving authorizing practices for existing authorizers; Strengthening autonomy by requiring independent boards for schools; Removing all caps on charter schools including virtual school admissions; Creating a charter school specific teaching license; Providing access to state benefits for teachers; and Requiring lotteries in the admissions process. The Charter School Reform companion bills--SB 22 and AB 51—have had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee and we are expecting a vote shortly. From there, we will work to schedule a hearing in the Assembly and a vote before both houses. If you have not already contacted your legislator on this issue, stay tuned for opportunities to have your voice heard.
In addition to the Charter School Reform bill, there are a few other legislative items that are significant to the charter school community:
Milwaukee Facilities: Senate Bill 20 has passed and is currently awaiting signature by the Governor. SB 20, sponsored by Senators Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative Honadel (R-Oak Creek), eases the process for charter schools to lease properties within Milwaukee Public School District and the City of Milwaukee.
Governor’s Budget: Governor Walker included the following provisions specific to charter schools in his 2011-2013 State Budget: 1. Allowing creation of independent charter schools through any University of Wisconsin system four-year campus; 2. Changing teacher licensing for independent charter schools by removing DPI license mandates and requiring only a bachelor’s degree; and 3. Removing the enrollment cap on virtual charter schools. The Joint Finance Committee is currently voting on the Governor’s budget and has already removed the teacher licensing requirement from the budget as a “non-fiscal policy” item. It is expected that the finance committee will complete its action by the end of this month and the budget will then go before the Senate and Assembly for approval.
Education Reform Legislation: A joint hearing by the Assembly and Senate Education Committees was held on Monday on Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 95, which make a hodgepodge of changes to public education including the use of standardized tests for teacher discipline, special education services, credits for extracurricular sports in high school, class sizes and school funding. In addition, the bill includes specifics on pupil expulsion for independent charter schools. Given the bills have been introduced by the Education co-chairs Rep. Kestell and Senator Olsen, it is likely that the committee will pass the bill.
It has been a busy legislative session and there are several other issues that are aimed at public schools, but will still have an effect on charter schools. We encourage everyone in the charter school community—teachers, students, parents, administrators and supporters—to closely monitor these issues and weigh in when applicable. The WCSA will keep you informed on changes and opportunities to participate in the process. Please make sure that your e-mail address is included in our alert system so that you are sure to receive notifications on legislative issues.
The Wisconsin Legislature is in full swing deliberating the State Budget along with several hundred stand alone bills on varying topics. And to complicate things, a recall election for nine Wisconsin state senators has been slated for July 12 (primary) and August 9 (general). At WCSA, however, we are keeping our eye on the prize—charter school reform legislation that would strengthen Wisconsin’s existing law with additional accountability and autonomy for schools and authorizers.
The legislation, sponsored by Senators Darling and Olsen and Representatives Vos and Kestell would include the following: Creation of a statewide charter school authorizer; Improving authorizing practices for existing authorizers; Strengthening autonomy by requiring independent boards for schools; Removing all caps on charter schools including virtual school admissions; Creating a charter school specific teaching license; Providing access to state benefits for teachers; and Requiring lotteries in the admissions process. The Charter School Reform companion bills--SB 22 and AB 51—have had a hearing in the Senate Education Committee and we are expecting a vote shortly. From there, we will work to schedule a hearing in the Assembly and a vote before both houses. If you have not already contacted your legislator on this issue, stay tuned for opportunities to have your voice heard.
In addition to the Charter School Reform bill, there are a few other legislative items that are significant to the charter school community:
Milwaukee Facilities: Senate Bill 20 has passed and is currently awaiting signature by the Governor. SB 20, sponsored by Senators Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative Honadel (R-Oak Creek), eases the process for charter schools to lease properties within Milwaukee Public School District and the City of Milwaukee.
Governor’s Budget: Governor Walker included the following provisions specific to charter schools in his 2011-2013 State Budget: 1. Allowing creation of independent charter schools through any University of Wisconsin system four-year campus; 2. Changing teacher licensing for independent charter schools by removing DPI license mandates and requiring only a bachelor’s degree; and 3. Removing the enrollment cap on virtual charter schools. The Joint Finance Committee is currently voting on the Governor’s budget and has already removed the teacher licensing requirement from the budget as a “non-fiscal policy” item. It is expected that the finance committee will complete its action by the end of this month and the budget will then go before the Senate and Assembly for approval.
Education Reform Legislation: A joint hearing by the Assembly and Senate Education Committees was held on Monday on Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill 95, which make a hodgepodge of changes to public education including the use of standardized tests for teacher discipline, special education services, credits for extracurricular sports in high school, class sizes and school funding. In addition, the bill includes specifics on pupil expulsion for independent charter schools. Given the bills have been introduced by the Education co-chairs Rep. Kestell and Senator Olsen, it is likely that the committee will pass the bill.
It has been a busy legislative session and there are several other issues that are aimed at public schools, but will still have an effect on charter schools. We encourage everyone in the charter school community—teachers, students, parents, administrators and supporters—to closely monitor these issues and weigh in when applicable. The WCSA will keep you informed on changes and opportunities to participate in the process. Please make sure that your e-mail address is included in our alert system so that you are sure to receive notifications on legislative issues.
Senate Bill 22 and Assembly Bill 51
March 2011
This proposal would enhance and reform Wisconsin’s Charter School law in the following ways: Expand authorizing options, Improve authorizing practices, Require authorizers to meet national standards, Strengthen charter autonomy, Eliminate caps, Promote growth of quality charter schools, Expand virtual learning, Expand pool of teachers, Provide access to benefits programs, and Require lotteries for admissions.
WCSA Executive Director John Gee believes Senate Bill 22 represents real school reform for Wisconsin charter schools and passage of the bill would bring Wisconsin’s charter school law from being ranked as one of the worst in the country into the top five. Gee believes, “the provisions in this law will greatly improve access to high quality education throughout the state. It will help close the performance gap in struggling districts—not just in Milwaukee but in other areas in the state. The purpose of this legislation is to create real choice for families and to promote innovation in the educational system. In the end, our hope is that this will improve the whole public educational system in the state.”
If we are going to make substantive, positive changes to Wisconsin’s nearly 20-year old law, NOW IS THE TIME! And to do so, we need every charter school teacher, parent, administrator or supporter to show their support for Wisconsin’s charter schools by supporting SB 22 and AB 51. Your support can be shown in many ways throughout this process from talking to others about charter schools to writing your legislators. If you are interested in testifying in front of a committee, submitting a letter of support or even just registering your support with the committee, please contact Sarah Granofsky at sgranofsky@wicharterschools.org.
WE WANT YOUR SUPPORT!
This proposal would enhance and reform Wisconsin’s Charter School law in the following ways: Expand authorizing options, Improve authorizing practices, Require authorizers to meet national standards, Strengthen charter autonomy, Eliminate caps, Promote growth of quality charter schools, Expand virtual learning, Expand pool of teachers, Provide access to benefits programs, and Require lotteries for admissions.
WCSA Executive Director John Gee believes Senate Bill 22 represents real school reform for Wisconsin charter schools and passage of the bill would bring Wisconsin’s charter school law from being ranked as one of the worst in the country into the top five. Gee believes, “the provisions in this law will greatly improve access to high quality education throughout the state. It will help close the performance gap in struggling districts—not just in Milwaukee but in other areas in the state. The purpose of this legislation is to create real choice for families and to promote innovation in the educational system. In the end, our hope is that this will improve the whole public educational system in the state.”
If we are going to make substantive, positive changes to Wisconsin’s nearly 20-year old law, NOW IS THE TIME! And to do so, we need every charter school teacher, parent, administrator or supporter to show their support for Wisconsin’s charter schools by supporting SB 22 and AB 51. Your support can be shown in many ways throughout this process from talking to others about charter schools to writing your legislators. If you are interested in testifying in front of a committee, submitting a letter of support or even just registering your support with the committee, please contact Sarah Granofsky at sgranofsky@wicharterschools.org.
WE WANT YOUR SUPPORT!
Bill in Circulation
February, 2011
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session continues to move along briskly for education in our state. Even though we are still early in session, there is a Charter School Bill currently in circulation. The bill will be introduced by Sen. Alberta Darling, Sen. Luther Olson, Rep. Robin Vos, and Rep. Steve Kestell.
This legislation has many components, including areas that would, among other things:
• Expand Authorizing Options: Create a state charter school board that could authorize charter schools throughout the state and allow CESA districts to serve as authorizers within their boundaries.
• Improve Authorizing Practices: Require authorizers to meet the standards of quality developed by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.
• Strengthen Charter Autonomy: Charter schools must be fiscally and legally autonomous entities and be governed by independent boards.
• Eliminate All Caps on Growth: Remove the limits on the numbers of public charter schools and students allowed to attend.
• Promote Growth of Quality Charters: Allow for the creation of multiple schools under a single charter and for a governing board to oversee schools under more than one charter contract.
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session continues to move along briskly for education in our state. Even though we are still early in session, there is a Charter School Bill currently in circulation. The bill will be introduced by Sen. Alberta Darling, Sen. Luther Olson, Rep. Robin Vos, and Rep. Steve Kestell.
This legislation has many components, including areas that would, among other things:
• Expand Authorizing Options: Create a state charter school board that could authorize charter schools throughout the state and allow CESA districts to serve as authorizers within their boundaries.
• Improve Authorizing Practices: Require authorizers to meet the standards of quality developed by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.
• Strengthen Charter Autonomy: Charter schools must be fiscally and legally autonomous entities and be governed by independent boards.
• Eliminate All Caps on Growth: Remove the limits on the numbers of public charter schools and students allowed to attend.
• Promote Growth of Quality Charters: Allow for the creation of multiple schools under a single charter and for a governing board to oversee schools under more than one charter contract.
A New Year
January, 2011
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session began with a flurry of activity. Governor Walker fulfilled two campaign promises immediately, as he called the Legislature into a special session to address jobs and the economy, and he created a seven-member panel to identify waste, fraud and abuse in state government programs and appropriations. The special session bills have been introduced, and for the most part include legislation that will benefit the business community.
However, one of the proposals in the special session may assist charter schools by allowing for additional transparency and involvement in the administrative rule process. In addition, the Commission on Waste, Fraud and Abuse could have an impact as the committee will review all budget documentation for each state agency and advise the governor about the long- and short-term impact of the commission’s recommendations on state appropriations. While the focus of the WCSA this session will be on authorizer and autonomy legislation, we will continue to monitor all proposals that have the potential to impact the charter school community.
The 2011-2012 Legislative Session began with a flurry of activity. Governor Walker fulfilled two campaign promises immediately, as he called the Legislature into a special session to address jobs and the economy, and he created a seven-member panel to identify waste, fraud and abuse in state government programs and appropriations. The special session bills have been introduced, and for the most part include legislation that will benefit the business community.
However, one of the proposals in the special session may assist charter schools by allowing for additional transparency and involvement in the administrative rule process. In addition, the Commission on Waste, Fraud and Abuse could have an impact as the committee will review all budget documentation for each state agency and advise the governor about the long- and short-term impact of the commission’s recommendations on state appropriations. While the focus of the WCSA this session will be on authorizer and autonomy legislation, we will continue to monitor all proposals that have the potential to impact the charter school community.
Leading up to the session
December, 2010
Governor-elect Scott Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald have been forming committees, making
appointments and putting together policy to prepare for the 2011-2012
legislative session which begins January 3rd.
At the time of publication, Walker has yet to announce cabinet level and
other key appointments with the exception of his Chief of Staff which will
be Keith Gilkes. Leadership elections have been held in the Assembly and
Senate and the Assembly has announced the chairs and vice-chairs of their
committees, while the Senate has not made any committee announcements. Of
interest to WCSA members is the Assembly Education committee which will be
chaired by Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and Rep-elect
Howard Marklein (R-Dodgeville).
Gov-elect Scott Walker has been pointing to a special session on jobs even
before he was elected. Walker has said that tort reform, repealing the
state tax on health savings accounts and providing tax cuts to small
businesses will be the priorities for the special session that will begin
immediately following inauguration January 3rd. While Walker’s comments
since the election have been focused on fiscal issues, he has made general
comments regarding education specifically in response to Superintendent Tony
Evers school finance plan. Walker said, "We need fundamental change in the
way we pay for K-12 education. We must invest in education but also control
costs and create a fiscally sustainable education system. I encourage the
superintendent to add to his plan necessary protections for property
taxpayers."
The special session of the Legislature and the introduction of the 2011-2012
biennial budget in February will dominate much of the legislature’s focus
for the first part of the legislative session. However, WCSA has an
extremely aggressive agenda related to charter school autonomy and
authorization and have already begun working with key legislators on these
initiatives. We encourage all WCSA members to keep up-to-date on these
legislative issues as your help will be key to our success as the bill(s)
move through the process. One of the best ways to stay informed on this
issue is to join our mailing list.
Governor-elect Scott Walker, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald and
Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald have been forming committees, making
appointments and putting together policy to prepare for the 2011-2012
legislative session which begins January 3rd.
At the time of publication, Walker has yet to announce cabinet level and
other key appointments with the exception of his Chief of Staff which will
be Keith Gilkes. Leadership elections have been held in the Assembly and
Senate and the Assembly has announced the chairs and vice-chairs of their
committees, while the Senate has not made any committee announcements. Of
interest to WCSA members is the Assembly Education committee which will be
chaired by Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) and Rep-elect
Howard Marklein (R-Dodgeville).
Gov-elect Scott Walker has been pointing to a special session on jobs even
before he was elected. Walker has said that tort reform, repealing the
state tax on health savings accounts and providing tax cuts to small
businesses will be the priorities for the special session that will begin
immediately following inauguration January 3rd. While Walker’s comments
since the election have been focused on fiscal issues, he has made general
comments regarding education specifically in response to Superintendent Tony
Evers school finance plan. Walker said, "We need fundamental change in the
way we pay for K-12 education. We must invest in education but also control
costs and create a fiscally sustainable education system. I encourage the
superintendent to add to his plan necessary protections for property
taxpayers."
The special session of the Legislature and the introduction of the 2011-2012
biennial budget in February will dominate much of the legislature’s focus
for the first part of the legislative session. However, WCSA has an
extremely aggressive agenda related to charter school autonomy and
authorization and have already begun working with key legislators on these
initiatives. We encourage all WCSA members to keep up-to-date on these
legislative issues as your help will be key to our success as the bill(s)
move through the process. One of the best ways to stay informed on this
issue is to join our mailing list.
2010 Election Wrap-Up
November, 2010
The 2010 elections will be recorded in history with the headline “Republican Tsunami”.
Wisconsin was the only state in the nation to sweep fully with a sea of red at the state level, swinging from full-Democratic control to a Republican Assembly, Senate and Governor; adding two Republican congressmen; and electing the first Republican US Senator in 18 years. For the charter school community, the Republican majority bodes well overall for our education reform agenda, but the large numbers of new legislators will require all of us to take time to educate them on charter schools.
State Level
Scott Walker was elected Wisconsin’s 45th Governor on his 43rd birthday. Governor-Elect Walker separated his birthday party/campaign victory celebration with a few hours sleep before beginning his job as Wisconsin’s CEO. Walker started today at the Milwaukee County Courthouse wrapping up the details on the county budget, and then headed to Madison to meet with the state’s budget architects to discuss Wisconsin’s 2011-2012 biennial budget. Walker has never flinched at the nearly $3 billion deficit Wisconsin is facing and seems more than ready to address the shortfall. When it comes to education, Walker is a supporter of charter schools and has said, "We should expand successful educational options like school choice, charter schools and virtual school programs-particularly in Milwaukee."
The Republican sweep started with the office of Governor and extended through the State
Assembly and State Senate. Not only did the democrats lose their majorities in each house, but their leaders—Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan and Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker--- were defeated as well. Republicans will hold total control for the first time since 1998.
The Wisconsin Senate is now controlled by a 19-14 Republican majority due to four key
incumbent Democrat Senators being knocked off by their Republican opponents: Past Education Chair and Co-Chair of a Legislative Committee on Charter Schools, Republican Leah Vukmir defeated Jim Sullivan in Wauwatosa; Van Wangaard, Republican, beat Democrat Senator Jon Lehman, who served as the Education Chair in the Senate; Former Assemblyman Republican Terry Moulton defeated Pat Kreitlow in Eau Claire; and Republican Dr. Pam Galloway defeated former Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker in Wausau.
The Assembly took a hard swing to the right, netting 60 Republicans, 38 Democrats, and one independent. There were 20 open seats in the going into the general election and all but two went to the Republican candidates. In addition, ten incumbent upsets helped give the Assembly one of their largest majorities in history. The most noteworthy losses on the D-side were Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan from Janesville, and 40-year incumbent Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids.
Incumbent Upsets
AD 2: Andre Jacque-R beat Incumbent Ted Zigmunt-D
AD 26: Mike Endsley-R- beat Terry Van Akkeren-D
AD 28: Erik Severson-R beat Ann Hraychuck-D
AD 43: Evan Wynn-R beat Kim Hixon-D
AD 44: Joe Knilans-R beat Mike Sheridan-D
AD 49: Travis Tranel-R beat Phil Garthwaite-D
AD 68: Kathy Bernier-R beat Kristen Dexter-D
AD 72: Scott Krug-R beat Marlin Schneider-D
AD 88: John Klenke-R beat Jim Soletski-D
AD 93: Warren Petryk-R beat Jeff Smith-D
Open Seats
AD 4: Chad Weininger-R beat Sam Dunlop-D
AD 5: Jim Steineke-R beat Mert Summers-D
AD 8: Jocasta Zamarripa-D beat Ramona Rivas-I
AD 10: Elizabeth Coggs-D beat Ieshuh Griffin-I
AD 30: Dean Knudson-R beat Matt Borup-D
AD 32: Tyler August-R beat Doug Harrod-D
AD 35: Tom Tiffany-R beat Jay Schmelling-D
AD 45: Amy Loudenbeck-R beat Roger Anclam-D
AD 51: Howard Marklein-R beat John Simonson-D
AD 52: Jeremy Thiesfeldt-R beat Paul Czisny-D
AD 67: Tom Larson-R beat C.W. King-D
AD 74: Janet Bewley-D beat Shirl LaBarre-R
AD 75: Roger Rivard-R beat Steve Perala-D
AD 80: Janis Ringhand-D beat Dan Henke-R
AD 84: Mike Kuglitsch-R beat Don Vanpool-D
The influx of Republicans in the State Legislature will be beneficial to the education reform agenda. There will also be a new caucus made up of those that subscribe to the “Tea Party” movement. In general, tea party activists are wary of government and staunch supporters of the free market. While the tea party platform is new, it can be argued that their philosophy plays perfectly into the charter school movement and the need to create competition within public schools.
Federal Level
With businessman Ron Johnson’s victory, a Wisconsin Republican now shares the duties in the US Senate for the first time sine 1992. Johnson’s victory was part of a national wave that cut Democratic control from 60 to 52 seats. Ron Johnson’s campaign focused on free market issues, mostly related to taxes and jobs, but a campaign stop at a Milwaukee choice school forced the subject. In a blog on Johnson’s website he referred to Wisconsin’s Democrat Congressman Dave Obey’s efforts a few months back to redirect $100 million from the federal Charter Schools Programs to the public school system to sustain teachers’ jobs. Johnson said, “If his maneuver succeeds, schools in the program would lose up to 40% of their annual funding thus putting the jobs of 6,000 charter school professionals in jeopardy. If elected, Johnson could be a deciding vote for school choice.” While there is a disconnect with issues here, Johnson seems to be supportive of our efforts.
Wisconsin’s congressional delegation now has 5 Republicans and 3 Democrats, a split we
haven’t seen since 1995 (6-3) and 1967 (7-3). Key victories from Reid Ribble (8th CD) and Sean Duffy (7th CD) helped to solidify the U.S. House of Representatives Republican majority. Wisconsin will also shine with leadership from Paul Ryan who most likely will be Chairman of the House Budget Committee and Congressmen Sensenbrenner and Petri who should also land high up on important committees.
The 2010 elections will be recorded in history with the headline “Republican Tsunami”.
Wisconsin was the only state in the nation to sweep fully with a sea of red at the state level, swinging from full-Democratic control to a Republican Assembly, Senate and Governor; adding two Republican congressmen; and electing the first Republican US Senator in 18 years. For the charter school community, the Republican majority bodes well overall for our education reform agenda, but the large numbers of new legislators will require all of us to take time to educate them on charter schools.
State Level
Scott Walker was elected Wisconsin’s 45th Governor on his 43rd birthday. Governor-Elect Walker separated his birthday party/campaign victory celebration with a few hours sleep before beginning his job as Wisconsin’s CEO. Walker started today at the Milwaukee County Courthouse wrapping up the details on the county budget, and then headed to Madison to meet with the state’s budget architects to discuss Wisconsin’s 2011-2012 biennial budget. Walker has never flinched at the nearly $3 billion deficit Wisconsin is facing and seems more than ready to address the shortfall. When it comes to education, Walker is a supporter of charter schools and has said, "We should expand successful educational options like school choice, charter schools and virtual school programs-particularly in Milwaukee."
The Republican sweep started with the office of Governor and extended through the State
Assembly and State Senate. Not only did the democrats lose their majorities in each house, but their leaders—Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan and Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker--- were defeated as well. Republicans will hold total control for the first time since 1998.
The Wisconsin Senate is now controlled by a 19-14 Republican majority due to four key
incumbent Democrat Senators being knocked off by their Republican opponents: Past Education Chair and Co-Chair of a Legislative Committee on Charter Schools, Republican Leah Vukmir defeated Jim Sullivan in Wauwatosa; Van Wangaard, Republican, beat Democrat Senator Jon Lehman, who served as the Education Chair in the Senate; Former Assemblyman Republican Terry Moulton defeated Pat Kreitlow in Eau Claire; and Republican Dr. Pam Galloway defeated former Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker in Wausau.
The Assembly took a hard swing to the right, netting 60 Republicans, 38 Democrats, and one independent. There were 20 open seats in the going into the general election and all but two went to the Republican candidates. In addition, ten incumbent upsets helped give the Assembly one of their largest majorities in history. The most noteworthy losses on the D-side were Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan from Janesville, and 40-year incumbent Marlin Schneider of Wisconsin Rapids.
Incumbent Upsets
AD 2: Andre Jacque-R beat Incumbent Ted Zigmunt-D
AD 26: Mike Endsley-R- beat Terry Van Akkeren-D
AD 28: Erik Severson-R beat Ann Hraychuck-D
AD 43: Evan Wynn-R beat Kim Hixon-D
AD 44: Joe Knilans-R beat Mike Sheridan-D
AD 49: Travis Tranel-R beat Phil Garthwaite-D
AD 68: Kathy Bernier-R beat Kristen Dexter-D
AD 72: Scott Krug-R beat Marlin Schneider-D
AD 88: John Klenke-R beat Jim Soletski-D
AD 93: Warren Petryk-R beat Jeff Smith-D
Open Seats
AD 4: Chad Weininger-R beat Sam Dunlop-D
AD 5: Jim Steineke-R beat Mert Summers-D
AD 8: Jocasta Zamarripa-D beat Ramona Rivas-I
AD 10: Elizabeth Coggs-D beat Ieshuh Griffin-I
AD 30: Dean Knudson-R beat Matt Borup-D
AD 32: Tyler August-R beat Doug Harrod-D
AD 35: Tom Tiffany-R beat Jay Schmelling-D
AD 45: Amy Loudenbeck-R beat Roger Anclam-D
AD 51: Howard Marklein-R beat John Simonson-D
AD 52: Jeremy Thiesfeldt-R beat Paul Czisny-D
AD 67: Tom Larson-R beat C.W. King-D
AD 74: Janet Bewley-D beat Shirl LaBarre-R
AD 75: Roger Rivard-R beat Steve Perala-D
AD 80: Janis Ringhand-D beat Dan Henke-R
AD 84: Mike Kuglitsch-R beat Don Vanpool-D
The influx of Republicans in the State Legislature will be beneficial to the education reform agenda. There will also be a new caucus made up of those that subscribe to the “Tea Party” movement. In general, tea party activists are wary of government and staunch supporters of the free market. While the tea party platform is new, it can be argued that their philosophy plays perfectly into the charter school movement and the need to create competition within public schools.
Federal Level
With businessman Ron Johnson’s victory, a Wisconsin Republican now shares the duties in the US Senate for the first time sine 1992. Johnson’s victory was part of a national wave that cut Democratic control from 60 to 52 seats. Ron Johnson’s campaign focused on free market issues, mostly related to taxes and jobs, but a campaign stop at a Milwaukee choice school forced the subject. In a blog on Johnson’s website he referred to Wisconsin’s Democrat Congressman Dave Obey’s efforts a few months back to redirect $100 million from the federal Charter Schools Programs to the public school system to sustain teachers’ jobs. Johnson said, “If his maneuver succeeds, schools in the program would lose up to 40% of their annual funding thus putting the jobs of 6,000 charter school professionals in jeopardy. If elected, Johnson could be a deciding vote for school choice.” While there is a disconnect with issues here, Johnson seems to be supportive of our efforts.
Wisconsin’s congressional delegation now has 5 Republicans and 3 Democrats, a split we
haven’t seen since 1995 (6-3) and 1967 (7-3). Key victories from Reid Ribble (8th CD) and Sean Duffy (7th CD) helped to solidify the U.S. House of Representatives Republican majority. Wisconsin will also shine with leadership from Paul Ryan who most likely will be Chairman of the House Budget Committee and Congressmen Sensenbrenner and Petri who should also land high up on important committees.
