From the 2008 Platform of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin:
Education, Labor, and Economics
Quality public education for all is critical to a healthy democracy and economy. Public funding for private schools diverts resources from and adversely impacts public schools. Increased governmental funding and financial aid is essential for all levels of public education. Nobody should be denied a quality education because of a personal lack of financial resources. The benefits of a quality education always outweigh the costs.
We believe that students have the right to receive their education in a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment, free from harassment or discrimination by teachers, staff, parents, or other students. We support fair and equitable funding for all elements of the curriculum, including art, music and physical education. A strong Wisconsin public education system builds a strong Wisconsin.
Wisconsin‘s current educational funding system has failed. The law allowing a limited qualified economic offer has caused diminishing compensation for teachers. Teacher compensation must keep pace with costs of benefits and inflation. Public school teachers must not be taken for granted. They deserve tremendous respect for their work educating our youth under challenging circumstances.
Revenue caps on school districts and other local governments must be eliminated. State or federal governments must fully fund their mandates (emphasis added).
The Democratic Party now controls the Assembly, the Senate and the Governor’s office in Wisconsin. Time to keep the promises they made in order to gain that control.
Thomas J. Mertz
AMPS 