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May 9, 2006
Rep. Joe Parisi
State Capitol - 126 North
P.O. Box 8953
Madison 53708
Dear Joe:
As the 2005-06 legislative session winds down, I want to thank you for your continued strong advocacy for public schools in Wisconsin and Madison.
Perhaps, the greatest long-term threat to public education this session was the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, which eventually morphed into the Taxpayer Protection Act. Madison Schools was proud to be part of a broad, wide-ranging coalition representing K-16 education, the religious community, health care professionals, local government employees and elected officials, along with advocates for children, the elderly, victims of domestic abuse, and many others.
However, in the final analysis, it was willingness of state legislators to speak out against this short-sighted proposal that brought about its defeat; an idea that claimed a formula in the state Constitution would make government more efficient. The most distressing aspect of this three year discussion on TABOR/TPA is that proponents were never forced to articulate what programs should be cut — SAGE?, Medicaid?, economic development programs?
So, again, thank you for speaking out against proposals such as TABOR/TPA that would harm opportunities for children in our schools. I look forward to working with you in the future to ensure the best for our community's children.
Sincerely,
Art Rainwater
Superintendent