Act 10, voucher schools on residents' minds at Brookfield town hall

Annysa Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
State Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) testifies in favor of an education-related bill during a new conference in 2014 at the Capitol in Madison.

BROOKFIELD - Frustration over school choice and the continuing effects of Act 10 were among the issues raised by constituents at a town hall meeting with Republican lawmakers in Brookfield on Tuesday.

State Sen. Leah Vukmir and Reps. Dale Kooyenga and Rob Hutton, all from Brookfield, hosted the session, they said, to get constituents' feedback in advance of hearings on Gov. Scott Walker's 2017-'19 budget proposal. 

The 90-minute session was one of the more civil town halls in recent weeks. But some of the more frustrated exchanges focused on school choice, state-funded vouchers for private schools and the residual effects of Act 10, the 2011 law that eliminated collective bargaining for most public employees.

"Please explain how Wisconsin can afford several school systems — public, voucher, independent charter — that are all drawing from the same pool of funds," said Mary Young, president of the advocacy group Support Our Schools Wauwatosa.

Kooyenga defended the choice program, saying districts get to keep a portion of the funds to cover their fixed costs, and that choice allows state dollars to follow the child.

"When you talk about education, you can have a school-centered approach or a student-centered approach. What I will fight for is a student-centered approach," he said.

Livestream replay: Town hall in Brookfield

SPECIAL REPORT: From teacher ‘free agency’ to merit pay, the uproar over Act 10

RELATED:Tensions rise as vouchers pick up traction across Wisconsin

One former teacher challenged the trio on their support for Act 10, saying it has diminished teaching as a career, and his wife has seen her compensation drop 10% as a result of the law.

"Your compensation comes from the same pot as my wife's does," Kal Larson told the trio.

"Lead by example and, how about you take a 10% to 15% pay cut," he said.

They did not respond, and Vukmir called the next question.

One man called on the three to amend state law to require manufacturers to return credits if the business fails to create jobs.

"What's the justification for giving away $300 million without accountability for creating jobs?" he asked. "It's corporate welfare."

Hutton said the credit and other incentives are needed to attract businesses in an intensely competitive business climate.

"We're in the midst of incredible competition, not just with our neighboring states, but around the world," he said. "If the free market was pure, then we'd say let the market operate. But the market is not pure."

"We’re still in the top third of overall tax burden. And we're trying to create as enticing an environment as we can."

The three were receptive to one woman's request that they support a national movement to limit the federal government's reach. Vicky Ostry asked them to support a convention of states resolution that would impose fiscal restraints, term limits and reduce power and scope of federal government.

Vukmir said all three of them support the Federalist philosophy that puts more power in the hands of the states. "All three of us have been supportive of the movement," she said. 

"I really believe (the states) have the best solutions to solve the problems for our constituents."