Walker addresses savings plan

Many school districts, counties and municipalities across the state are getting cuts in state aid with Gov. Scott Walker's proposed 2011-13 state budget.

But the governor claims by having public employees dig deeper into their own pockets most of the public agencies will not lose money because of it. But not everyone agrees with Walker’s plan.

Walker is promising his cuts in aid to schools, counties and municipalities will not have a negative effect. He says people need to look past the fact cuts are being made.

“If we did this in our life, it would be like saying you're getting 5 percent less revenue but ignoring the fact that your car payment just went away,” said Walker.

Walker says while he is cutting millions of dollars, the loss can be offset if enough pension and health insurance contributions are made. But some Democrats say the cuts will force the elimination of resources and educational tools, therefore decreasing the quality of education.

“Clearly what this administration is trying to do is de-fund public education, weaken our schools and begin to direct money toward private education,” said State Rep. Sondy Pope-Roberts, D-Middleton.

The governor says the moves are needed to avoid layoffs and property tax increases.

FOX 11 called 13 school districts in our area. Some school officials said it's too early to comment on Walker's assessment and determine if it's correct, because they haven't reviewed their budget.
No district would agree to an interview. They either declined or did not return our calls.

“Their calendar year and fiscal year is different from ours so their challenges are a little different,” said Manitowoc County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer.

Ziegelbauer says after reviewing Walker's plan, he believes it could help his county. He says while revenue is going down, cost will go down as well.

“The change in the collective bargaining process will allow us to manage so much more efficiently when it comes to changing and modernizing and bringing up to date so many work rules that cost us so much in unnecessary costs,” said Ziegelbauer.

Although he does have some worries.

“In the short term, change has some concern with it, some anxiety,” said Ziegelbauer.

Some school officials in our area say they plan to know more about how Walker's plan affects them in a few weeks, when they have time to look over their budget.