Study Committee on BCPL, CSF Meeting Today!

The Study Committee on the Investment and Use of the School Trust Funds is meeting today (September 5) starting at 10 a.m. 

They will hear from the CommonFund Institute, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board, the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Local Government Economic Development experts, and the University of Wisconsin System.

You can watch the whole thing live on Wisconsin Eye: http://www.wiseye.org/Live

WEMTA Members Testify Before Study Committee on BCPL, CSF

WEMTA was invited to present to the Legislative Council Study Committee on Investment and Use of the School Trust Funds on August 16. We were asked to answer questions about the Common School Fund and how it benefits school libraries. 

WEMTA's presentation was led by Legislative Committee Chair Janet Vraney and WEMTA members Micki Uppena, Tony Spence and Kay Benning.  They educated Committee members on all of the great things happening in our school libraries because of the Common School Fund and, explained that for the vast majority of WEMTA members, CSF dollars are the only funding they receive for their school library program. In addition, they highlighted the stability of the Common School Fund and told the Committee that school libraries want a dedicated, reliable and consistent funding source. 

You can view WEMTA's presentation and the full Committee meeting here. They plan to meet again on September 5. 

The Committee also heard from:

• Staff from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands talked about how they invest the Common School Fund and other trust funds. They talked a lot about the history of the BCPL and the Common School Fund and their investment policy. They said that the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) would generate the same return for the Common School Fund as BCPL because they would need to operate under the same statutory and constitutional constraints. They also said that if the Common School Fund had been invested in a more risky manner during the economic downturn of 2007-09, there would not have been any Common School Fund Distributions for 5-8 years. 
• A panel of local government officials discussed the importance of the BCPL Trust Fund Loan Program. They said that many small municipalities can't access the bond market and that private loans have higher costs. Robert Scott, director of finance for the City of Brookfield, said: "Restriction or elimination of the Trust Fund Loan program would not only jettison a smart fiscal tool for hundreds of local governments in Wisconsin, but it could also curtail infrastructure and economic development projects that but for the state Trust Fund Loan program would have either not occurred or would cost taxpayers more in the long run."
• BCPL Commissioner State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk  testified about why he thinks the BCPL and the Common School Fund should change. He said that the goal of making changes is to double the rate of return for schools.He said that the state should remove school libraries as the dedicated beneficiary of the Common School Fund so that the CSF could be "free money for the school districts." He said that they could find a different way to fund school libraries; for example, through the general fund. He told the Committee the SWIB is the gold standard and should be allowed to invest the money. Adamczyk also told the Committee that he opposes the loan program because it is "stealing money" from a private entity (banks). 
• A panel of school district officials  spoke about the importance of the BCPL Trust Fund Loan Program and the Common School Fund. They said it can be challenging for their small local banks to help them with loans.Todd Carlson, superintendent of the Gillett School District said that the Common School Fund is vital to his district. Carlson said that 95% of their yearly operating budget is fixed costs for things like transportation, salaries and utilities, so they often don't have room for the extras. Brian Krey, business manager for the River Valley School District, which has four schools, said the Common School Fund is the sole budget for his libraries and that he supports keeping it as a dedicated funding source for libraries. "Knowing that it's stable and dependent is really important to us. School funding is anything but that, especially in a district like ours where we're declining in student enrollment. So knowing that that money is going to be there, year-after-year, is very, very beneficial for our entire community," said Krey.  
• BCPL Commissioner Secretary of State Doug La Follette. He said that the BCPL system is working and that it has been modernized. 

Don't Forget to Vote Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 14th!

Be sure to vote in the primary election tomorrow, Tuesday, August 14th! There are statewide primary races for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and U.S. Senate. There are also local primary races for State Assembly and State Senate seats as well as Congressional seats. 

  

Primary: August 14, 2018 Polls Open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Review A Sample Ballot Before Heading to the Polls: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-US/PreviewMyBallot

One-Party Primary Voting: You can only participate in one party’s primary. You will need to decide whether you want to vote in the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Wisconsin Green, or Constitution party primary.

Registering to Vote: You can register to vote at the polls on Election Day. You will need to bring proof of residence, such as a valid driver’s license or state ID card, a bank statement, paycheck, or recent gas, electric or telephone bill. NOTE: This is not a complete list of acceptable proof of residence documents.

Photo ID: A photo ID is required to vote. Visit  https://www.bringitwisconsin.com/ to see a list of acceptable IDs.

Find your polling place and see a sample ballot at https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/

BCPL Candidates: The Offices of Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer are extremely important to the WEMTA because they serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) which oversees the Common School Fund. WEMTA surveyed every candidate for Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer about their positions on key BCPL and Common School Fund issues. Their responses have been compiled in this non-partisan voter guide, and their answers appear in the order in which their names are listed on the ballot.

Wisconsin's Primary Election is 11 Days Away!

Wisconsin’s 2018 Partisan Primary is Tuesday, August 14. There are several statewide races on the ballot. Primaries are also required for some State Assembly, State Senate and U.S. House races. The winners of these primaries will be on the general election ballot on November 6.

Governor

An eight-person Democratic primary field is vying for a chance to challenge Governor Walker, who is running for his third term. Democratic candidates include State Senator Kathleen Vinehout, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, State Superintendent Tony Evers, former State Representative Kelda Roys, attorney Matt Flynn, political activist Mike McCabe, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin Mahlon Mitchell, and attorney Josh Pade. Governor Walker has a Republican primary election against software publisher Robert Meyer.

Education has become a top issue in the race as Governor Walker is campaigning as the “pro-education” governor. He has featured his investments in education in his campaign ads and has said that he will continue the UW System Tuition Freeze if re-elected. Walker’s Republican primary opponent, Robert Meyer, says he will work to improve education outcomes for all students. Every Democratic candidate calls for increased K-12 education funding in their education proposals. Roys, Soglin and Vinehout all reference the need to make changes to the school funding formula on their campaign websites while Evers has released a proposal to change the formula as part of his 2019-21 state budget request.  In addition, all of the candidates have gone to the record saying that they support the repeal of Act 10. Flynn, Evers, Mitchell and Roys say on their campaign websites that they support creating a way to re-finance student loans. Flynn says on his campaign website that he will stop expansion of the school choice program, Vinehout has links to several columns she’s written expressing concerns about expansion and funding of the choice program, and McCabe and Roys say that they will phase it out.

Governor Scott Walker Education Proposals

Robert Meyer Education Proposals

Matt Flynn Education Proposals

Tony Evers Education Proposals

Josh Pade Campaign Website (does not have dedicated issues section)

Mike McCabe Education Proposals

Mahlon Mitchell Education Proposals

Kelda Roys Education Proposals

Paul Soglin Education Proposals

Kathleen Vinehout Education Proposals  

Lt. Governor

There is also a Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor. Former state representative Mandela Barnes is running against entrepreneur Kurt Kober. Kober says that education will be his top priority if elected, and lays out proposals to change the school funding formula, reduce standardized testing and streamline education to promote lifelong learning on his campaign website. Barnes also lists education as a top priority and supports modifying the school funding formula, community schools, free two-year college and debt-free four year college.

Kurt Kober Education Proposals

Mandela Barnes Education Proposals

Current Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch does not have a primary challenger.

Lt. Governor Kleefisch (does not appear to have an active campaign website yet, but is featured on Governor Walker’s site).  

State Treasurer and Secretary of State

There are both Republican and Democratic primaries in the race to fill the open State Treasurer seat. A key issue in the campaign has been the future of the office now that voters have rejected the idea of eliminating the office. There are also Republican and Democratic primaries for Secretary of State. Both of these offices serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which oversees the Common School Fund. To see where the candidates for the two offices stand on issues important to WEMTA, check out our voter guide or older posts that we've done on this blog about the races.

U.S. Senate

A tough Republican primary is taking place for one of Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate seats. State Senator Leah Vukmir is squaring off against retired Marine Kevin Nicholson for a chance to challenge Senator Tammy Baldwin.

Leah Vukmir Campaign Website

Kevin Nicholson Campaign Website  

Current U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin does not have a primary challenger.

Tammy Baldwin Campaign Website

Wisconsin Primary Election Information

Primary: August 14, 2018

Polls Open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

One-Party Primary Voting: You can only participate in one party’s primary. You will need to decide whether you want to vote in the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian, Wisconsin Green, or Constitution party primary.

In-Person Early Voting: Check with your local clerk about early voting hours in your municipality: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyMunicipalClerk. 

Absentee Ballots: The deadline to request an absentee ballot be sent to you is 5 p.m. on August 9. You must provide a photocopy of your photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot. Your completed absentee ballot must be delivered no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.  It is recommended that you place your completed absentee ballot in the mail one week before Election Day to ensure that it arrives in time.

Registering to Vote: You can register to vote at the polls on Election Day. You will need to bring proof of residence, such as a valid driver’s license or state ID card, a bank statement, paycheck, or recent gas, electric or telephone bill. NOTE: This is not a complete list of acceptable proof of residence documents.

Photo ID: A photo ID is required to vote. Visit www.bringitwisconsin.com to see a list of acceptable IDs.

Find Your Polling Place: Find your polling place and see a sample ballot at www.myvote.wi.gov.

General Election: November 6, 2018. The winner of each party’s primary will advance to the General Election ballot.

BCPL Commissioners Schimel, La Follette Raise Concerns About State Treasurer's Treatment of BCPL Staff

Several news outlets are reporting that BCPL Commissioners Attorney General Brad Schimel and Secretary of State Doug La Follette said on the record at last week's BCPL meeting that they feel their fellow Commissioner State Treasurer Matt Adamczyk is treating BCPL staff inappropriately. Schimel described Adamczyk's approach to working with staff as  "abusive and unreasonable."

BCPL Commissioners and BCPL staff oversee the investments of the state trust funds, including the Common School Fund.

During the meeting, Adamczyk said he was concerned that the BCPL staff was not qualified to make investments and argued that the BCPL trust funds, including the Common School Fund, should be transferred to the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.

You can listen to the full board meeting here: ftp://doaftp1380.wi.gov/doadocs/BCPL/2018-07-24_BCPL-BoardMtgRecording.mp3 

Wisconsin State Journal: Attorney General publicly slams State Treasurer as 'unreasonable and abusive' to state workers

The Cap Times: Treasurer Matt Adamczyk's demands to state employees 'abusive' and 'unreasonable,' says AG Brad Schimel

Attorney General Candidate Responses to WEMTA Questions

Attorney General Candidate Responses

WEMTA asked every Attorney General candidate the following questions. Their responses are compiled below and appear in the order in which their names are listed on the ballot.

1. What do you believe the role of the attorney general is in relation to public education in Wisconsin?

Brad Schimel (R), Incumbent: Did not respond.

Josh Kaul (D): Our attorney general must work to make our schools safer. I believe Wisconsin should increase funding for mental health programs in schools and enact common-sense gun-safety measures, including universal background checks and a ban on bump stocks.

As a member of the BCPL, the AG must also work with the other members of the BCPL and BCPL staff members to ensure that the assets in the Common School Fund that benefit our public school libraries are managed appropriately. Our public school libraries don’t just promote reading; they ensure that students in Wisconsin have access to information and technology.

Terry Larson (Constitution Party): My primary function as attorney general is to see the laws of the state of Wisconsin are enforced, including any laws regarding public education.

2. Legislation introduced during the 2017-18 legislative session would have eliminated the requirement that Common School Fund distributions be given to school libraries. What is your position on this proposal?

Brad Schimel (R), Incumbent: Did not respond.

Josh Kaul (D): I oppose this proposal.

Terry Larson (Constitution Party): I have not read the legislation or proposal details. I am “by default” opposed to any reductions in funding of any kind to school or public libraries.

3. Legislation introduced during the 2017-18 legislative session would have ended the BCPL Trust Fund Loan Program. What is your position on this proposal?

Brad Schimel (R), Incumbent: Did not respond.

Josh Kaul (D): I oppose this proposal.

Terry Larson (Constitution Party): I have not read the legislation so cannot comment on this. I am “by default” opposed to making changes to trust funds left by those who came before us to care for.

4. How will you ensure that the Common School Fund and other BCPL trust funds are receiving all required deposits from fines, fees and forfeitures and other constitutionally required funding streams?

Brad Schimel (R), Incumbent: Did not respond.

Josh Kaul (D): I believe the AG should work with the other members of the BCPL and BCPL staff members to ensure that the clear proceeds of fines, fees, and forfeitures are deposited into the Common School Fund.

Terry Larson (Constitution Party): I am responsible as attorney general to see that anything “constitutionally required” happens. I would have to intervene if required funding streams are not received.

5. What issues or policies will you prioritize if elected? 

Brad Schimel (R), Incumbent: Did not respond.

Josh Kaul (D): I’m a former federal prosecutor, and I want my family -- and families throughout Wisconsin -- to live in a state that’s safer and stronger than we’re on track for right now.

I believe we need new leadership when it comes to fighting crime and getting justice for Wisconsinites. The opioid epidemic has been devastating for Wisconsin families and continues to get worse, and we have a growing meth problem. I believe we need to do more to ensure that enforcement efforts are targeting large-scale drug traffickers; we need to increase access to substance-abuse treatment; and we need to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the role they played in creating and exacerbating the opioid epidemic.

As discussed above, I believe we need to do more to address school safety as well. While our current AG has criticized gun-free school zones and suggested that we consider arming teachers, I believe we must keep our gun-free school zones and I’m opposed to arming teachers. I also believe our AG must ensure that justice isn’t being delayed because of delays in the testing of evidence.

In addition, we need an AG who is independent, who will be a watchdog for Wisconsinites, and who will seriously and even-handedly enforce the laws that protect our environment and our consumer-protection laws.

Terry Larson (Constitution Party): My current list of priorities includes stopping several things in Wisconsin by enforcing state laws:

1. The enforcement of federal Supreme Court opinions as law upon Wisconsin citizens.

2. The destruction or removal of Civil War memorials or monuments including those for the Confederacy.

3. The creation of sanctuary areas for illegal aliens.

4. Infringements upon the freedom of speech or the right to bear arms which the citizens of Wisconsin have under both our federal and state constitutions.

Secretary of State Candidates Respond to WEMTA Questions

Secretary of State Candidate Responses

Republican and Democratic primaries are required in this race. WEMTA asked every Secretary of State candidate the following questions. Their responses are compiled below and appear in the order in which their names are listed on the ballot. The Office of Secretary of State is important to WEMTA because they serve on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which oversees the Common School Fund. 

1. State Legislators have debated the idea of eliminating the Office of the Secretary of State in past legislative sessions. What is your position on this issue?

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: I strongly oppose the elimination if the SOS and the State Treasurer's offices.

I have fought against this idea for many years. Rather I support returning the important duties that have been taken away from these two offices.

Arvina Martin (D): I firmly believe that the Office of Secretary of State should not only be retained, but should have duties returned to the office. Last Spring’s referendum showed that Wisconsinites want to see another constitutional office, the State Treasurer, remain, and I believe that this carries over to the Secretary of State’s office as well. I think this shows that the people of Wisconsin are interested in seeing the duties of government spread across many branches, leading to more transparency as well as checks and balances. First and foremost, the Secretary of State should be a champion of democracy, and have a strong role overseeing elections, making sure they are fair, and working to increase participation. Unfortunately, over 40 years, leaders of both parties have lost faith in the incumbent, and essentially all of his responsibilities have been stripped from the office. It’s time for a reset in which we restore the Secretary of State’s office under new leadership.

2. What do you believe the role of the secretary of state is in relation to public education in Wisconsin?

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: In addition to the critical role on the Board of Land Commissioners where I have and will fight to protect the funds and work to earn as much interest as possible for the School Libraries.  The SOS can play a role in educating people about the importance of Democracy and education.  I will continue to work on and talk about environmental issues.

Arvina Martin (D): The Secretary of State should be a vocal and visible champion for strong public schools in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the current Secretary of State does the bare minimum, and almost every single duty has been taken away. I will be a visible champion for public schools, traveling the state and advocating for increased investment in our classrooms and libraries. As you know, the Secretary of State is a member of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, managing the funds that are ultimately allocated to school libraries. The Secretary of State needs to be a strong leader to ensure that funding is protected and increased. We have an important stewardship responsibility to our land, and to ensure we protect funds that go to public schools and school libraries. I also think that the Secretary of State can use the office to promote civic participation, including encouraging Wisconsinites’ participation in elections and in the US Census. By encouraging active this participation, we can be assured that our school districts’ populations are counted accurately, ensuring that our public schools are properly funded.

3. Legislation introduced during the 2017-18 legislative session would have eliminated the requirement that Common School Fund distributions be given to school libraries. What is your position on this proposal?

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: I was against this and will continue to fight any such very dangerous ideas.

Arvina Martin (D): I absolutely am against this proposal. These funds are necessary for our school libraries and should not be touched. I’m aghast that the strong tradition of using revenues from our public lands to support libraries would be threatened, and I’ll be an active and strong voice, traveling across the state, to stop legislation like this and promote legislation that would strengthen schools.

4. Legislation introduced during the 2017-18 legislative session would have ended the BCPL Trust Fund Loan Program. What is your position on this proposal?

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: What can I say; dumb and dangerous idea from a group of right-wing folks.

Arvina Martin (D): I am against this as well. The loans provide accessible loans to municipalities and school districts to invest in their facilities, operations, and programs. With so many cuts to state funds that used to go to local units of government, these loans help continue improvements, and investments in their futures. If we can help fund our schools by offering reasonable loans to other Wisconsin units of government, we should most definitely do so.

5. How will you ensure that the Common School Fund and other BCPL trust funds are receiving all required deposits from fines, fees and forfeitures and other constitutionally required funding streams?

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: This has been an ongoing issue; I and the staff have been working to get Revenue and DOA to send these funds to the Board.  I would help if we, with your help, can get the Legislature to return this responsibly to the State Treasurer.

Arvina Martin (D): I will make sure that I am a responsive and attentive member of the Board of Commissioners, and am actively involved with staff responsible for collecting such fees. I will coordinate with other offices, including a rejuvenated State Treasurer, and members of the legislature. You can count on me to be a strong, visible, champion for democracy and public education.

6. What issues or policies will you prioritize if elected? 

Jay Schroeder (R): Did not respond.

Spencer Zimmerman (R): Did not respond.

Doug La Follette (D), Incumbent: Returning duties to the office and as a Land Commissioner working to protect the Trust Funds and earn interest for the schools.

Arvina Martin (D): My biggest priority as Secretary of State will be to fight for fair, open, and free elections. Most other states’ Secretaries of State are responsible for the administration of statewide elections. I would fight to return these duties back to our Secretary of State’s office, and while those duties remain in the executive branch, I would be a vocal advocate for civic participation, by making sure that voters are empowered with the proper information needed to cast their ballots. I will work to register voters and advocate for reforms like automatic voter registration. I will work with young people to promote civic participation. I will use my bully pulpit to advocate for participation in the Census and for Fair Maps. I would also work with municipal clerks and election staff to help ensure that our voting process is accessible and run smoothly. I believe that in a rapidly changing world, where we are worried about protecting civil rights, public education and the right to organize, our elections are the cornerstone of our ability to make change. Wisconsin used to have a proud tradition of voter participation, and I would love to return that legacy to our state.

The unfortunate reality is that over 40 years, leaders of both parties have lost faith in the incumbent, and essentially all of his responsibilities have been stripped from the office. It’s time for a reset in which we restore the Secretary of State’s office under new leadership.