Vinehout to talk locally on affect of state budget on schools

Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) will speak in Wauzeka Wednesday, Nov. 30, on “What everyone should know about schools and Wisconsin’s budget.”

The town hall meeting featuring her talk will be at 6 p.m., at Century Hall, 213 E. Front St. A discussion by those attending will follow Vinehout’s presentation.

“The current policies to privatize schools and to lower property taxes are on a collision course,” Vinehout said. “It is not possible to have both.  School districts chiefly held referendums for capital improvements. Now, many districts must hold them to keep the lights on and doors open. One significant way to lower school property taxes is for the state to put more money in aid to schools. Former Gov. Tommy Thompson put $1 billion into school aid, which resulted in a subsequent drop in property taxes.”  

Vinehout will explain how the state-imposed revenue caps will prevent many school districts from spending the increase in state aid from the last state biennial budget. She will also explain how paying for students who attend private school through the voucher program can reduce state aid to public schools.

The program is free and open to the public. “Everyone is welcome to listen and join in this important conversation about the state budget and how it affects the heart of their community,” Crawford County Democratic Party chairman Bob Welsh said.
Food and beverages will be provided by the Wauzeka Veterans Memorial Committee.