Teachers Are Not the Enemies!

Law enforcement officers are targeting lawmakers -- not because they were involved in any criminal activity -- but because they boycotted a senate vote.

Police officers in Wisconsin are looking for democratic legislators to drag them to the state capital. In Madison, there will be a quorum to conduct business and pass a bill into law. Currently, the democrats at large are hiding in an undisclosed location.

The fiasco started in Wisconsin with Governor Parker's proposal to increase state workers contribution to health care premium and pensions fund to a total of 12 percent -- effectively cutting the salary of all state workers. A large contingent of state workers are teachers. While it is true the state of Wisconsin provides generous health and pension benefits compared to other states, the little-known truth is that Wisconsin ranks 49th in starting teacher salary and 20th in average teacher salary. So the argument that state workers must pay more in-line with other state is ignorant at best. These workers have taken a lower salary for higher benefits.

In Wisconsin, schools are closed for a second day and thousands of teachers are demonstrating in the state capital in freezing weather. These are people who are responsible for educating children. Consider the fact that if this proposal passes, an average teacher making about $45,000, will take $540 less each month. This is huge amount for a family who is already operating on a shoe string budget.

The starting salary in Wisconsin for teachers with a Bachelor's degree is a measly $36,000. These teachers are not greedy union officials that the Governor Parker is blaming for all the problems facing the state. These teachers are not the enemies. At a moment when there is serious national debate on increasing the quality of K-12 education and providing more incentives to teachers, this bill sends the wrong message.