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The state legislature has just passed the gifted education legislation (as of Tues. 3/8) and it will go forward to the governor for his signature (or his veto!) as AB903. This is the bill that would increase transparency, accountability, and equity in gifted education in Wisconsin. (It does not mandate anything about how districts must identify or program for advanced learners.) You can find the bill's full text and its history at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/proposals/ab903.
Thanks so much to those of you who contacted your state Senator or Assembly Representative! Now for the final step. The legislation was NOT passed unanimously, so we need to let the governor know how important it is to Wisconsin students and their families. The contact is easy: just go to: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/governor/voice-an-opinion and complete the online form using your HOME contact information. Your request goes on the line that says "Share your opinions with Governor Evers." You can say something as simple as "Please sign AB903 into law!" but you may also add why it's important to you or your child. For more detail and ideas, see our latest newsletter article at https://www.watg.org/advocacy-blog. You may also call the governor's office with your message at 608-266-1212. Please make your online or phone contact in the next few days - it will take time for the staff to log all the requests that the governor is receiving at this busy time of year!
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Things continue to move rapidly with the legislation that will add a layer of accountability to the funding of Gifted and Talented education in the state. We have found this to be a real “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” situation. Many have asked why we need this legislation, as gifted education is so underfunded in the state. However, without this legislation we don’t have any accountability in place so increasing funding is almost impossible. Thus the circle continues. It has been very promising to see things progressing recently, though! AB903 passed in the Assembly on February 22nd and is now moving on to the Senate! We anticipate it passing there with no issue. So, where does that leave us? Next stop will be the Governor's office! We need your help, though!!! PLEASE contact Governor Evers and ask him to support AB903/SB860! Contact him TODAY! Do not wait! It will take his office time to log the responses to this legislation, so we have been advised to start this process sooner rather than later.
I must admit that until now I had never contacted the Governor’s office, so this has been a fun (but easy) learning experience for me! Let me walk you through the process. All you have to do is go here: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/governor/voice-an-opinion and fill out the online form using your PERSONAL contact information rather than your work or professional information. I was shocked that it was that easy! Here is a sample of what I wrote, “I would ask that you please support AB903 and SB860. We need more support for our advanced learners across the state, and without the accountability of these bills we will be unable to continue to increase funding for gifted education. Without proper funding and support advanced learners from across the state are at great risk for underachievement and a variety of other issues. It is imperative that we are meeting the needs of ALL learners, including those of advanced learners. We are dramatically behind our neighboring states in this area. Please support AB903 and SB860.” Feel free to copy it verbatim or make it your own! Be as personal or generic as you would like! The only thing that I would ask is that you specifically mention AB903/SB860. In very general terms, shorter is often better, as they get such a large volume of contacts, but do feel free to share your heartfelt personal experiences! Every contact makes a difference! Every contact is logged as either being for or against an issue, and the more tally marks that we get in the “for” column, the more likely it is to pass! We are in the home stretch! Let’s do this together for our kids, our educators, and our communities!!! Hillarie Roth Government Action Chairperson WI Association for Talented and Gifted |
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