The Wisconsin Education Association Council, the state’s largest public sector employees’ union, welcomes the election of David Crowley and Sarah Godlewski. Representing public school educators in every corner of the state, our union was pivotal in the election and re-election of pro-public-education candidates forming new majorities in the Wisconsin Legislature and U.S. Congress.
The following statement can be attributed to WEAC President and teacher Peggy Wirtz-Olsen:
“Wisconsin’s voters delivered a clear message Tuesday: They are done with the damage of the Walker years. Done with lawmakers’ refusal to fund schools, instead shifting costs to local taxpayers. Done with politicians who demand more while giving our students less.
“Our students cannot put their futures on hold while politicians debate whether to give them what they need. They need qualified educators, safe schools and individual attention that helps them thrive. They need leaders who will make public education a priority.
“Governor-elect Crowley and the pro-public-education leaders elected to serve in Madison and Washington have an opportunity and an obligation to deliver for students. Promises don’t staff classrooms. Promises don’t fix leaking roofs. Promises don’t pay for up-to-date materials. That’s what budgets do.
“Wisconsin voters clearly believe that schools cannot survive by passing the hat and putting another referendum on the ballot. A child’s opportunity should not depend on a community’s ability to raise its own taxes. The state must do its job.
“To the teachers and education support professionals who spent evenings knocking on doors and weekends getting out the vote: Thank you. You organized after the school day ended because you know what is at stake when the next school day begins. That’s when you look face-to-face into the eyes of Wisconsin’s future.
“Educators have been organizing for this moment. We were shut out, but we never stopped standing up for students. We did more with less, but we never stopped demanding better.
“We are ready to reclaim our rightful place at the bargaining table, where we will negotiate fair pay and working conditions, defend academic freedom and help shape the schools our students deserve. Respect for educators is a voice in the decisions that shape our work.
“The road to undo Walker’s failed policies is long. The path ahead must put students first.”
