A teachers union says federal stimulus cash is needed because Wisconsin can't cut much more. American Federation of Teachers is pushing for swift passage. With an economic slowdown and a looming state budget hole, AFT-Wisconsin President Bryan Kennedy is fearful of further cuts in the state agencies. He says AFT members have told him that state agencies are "as lean as they can possibly be."
Kennedy adds some state positions actually bring in additional money for Wisconsin. He cites a recent study by the Institute for Wisconsin's Future which claimed 200 Revenue Department vacancies bring in $1.5 to $2 million in revenue, by catching people cheating on their taxes. Kennedy says that money would be lost if the positions are not occupied.
Kennedy says the stimulus would also provide infrastructure jobs and improvement as well as ensure adequate education from pre-K to the college level. He and numerous AFT counterparts are in DC to urge their respective U-S Senators to approve the stimulus plan.
