I don't support the Wisconsin law but the hyperbole you use is not helpful in the discussion: "inhumane" "thoughtless" "moronic" "vicious". The state is like any business that when the bottom line isn't in the black, they need to change policies to save money. The state is renegotiating employment agreements to save money. Gov. Walker thinks he's solving the serious budget crisis the right way. The next state election will tell him whether or not he succeeded.

The unions caved on the pay and benefit cuts, but only because they were trying to save its monopoly in the state--forcing all teachers to pay for a union they don't want. And before you defend collective bargaining, ask yourself if it should be legal for a union to negotiate into a contract funded by taxpayers, health insurance from a company the union OWNS! Look up "WEA Trust". A bunch of districts have now switched insurance companies to save serious money (hundreds of thousands of dollars per year)--but the union is fighting it tooth and nail because that money is their profit.

You are teaching in your classroom, and the WEA Trust managers are fleecing the taxpayers and pocketing six figure incomes. Are you making six figures? Me neither.

Also, I don't think you were reading carefully--AAE responded to Bruce and clarified that they have not endorsed the bill. Both of Bruce's questions were incorrect.

Bruce, you are asking significant questions, and I'm not sure an organization such as AAE thinks about the tremendous impact such inhumane, thoughtless legislation as Gov. Walker's has on an incredible mass population of people. I am a teacher in Wisconsin, however, believe this whole ordeal lost sight of just how many other professions this moronic bill will affect. It is also unbelievable how much negativity has been directed at teachers as a result of all this coverage and, often, misrepresentation of a teacher's contract, profession, daily responsibilities, etc. The disrespect for what many of the public service workers actually do for others is overwhelming.

I feel Judge Sumi is one of the last honorable people understanding this issue. Thank goodness she is doing something to hold back the vicious Walker.

Thank you for your question, Bruce.

AAE has not endorsed the Wisconsin repair bill, which has far more reaching aspects, many of which are unrelated to education. AAE does not take a position on issues unrelated to education. AAE has focused exclusively on the efforts in Wisconsin and other states to end forced union dues and employer collection of forced union dues. AAE's opposition to forced unionism is firmly rooted in our mission to protect teachers rights to choose their professional association.

Hopefully that clarifies the situation for you. For more information, please see this post: http://www.aaeteachers.org/ind...-unionism-

AAE

So, am I understanding correctly that the AAE supports this bill because the bill would ban forcing teachers to pay union dues? Does the AAE also support legislating a permanent freeze on teacher salary and simultaneous cuts to pensions and healthcare coverage?