by Chris Kulow | Mar 31, 2021 | Federal Issue, Legislative Update Blog
From the NSBA connection: Politico (3/29, Stratford) reports President Joe Biden is expected to unveil new details about his multi-trillion dollar infrastructure plan this week. Biden said during his press conference last week that schools would be a focus of his infrastructure push, noting the decline of the nation’s classrooms: “How many schools where the kids can’t drink the water out of the fountain? How many schools are still in the position where there’s asbestos? How many schools in America we’re sending our kids to don’t have adequate ventilation?” Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), chair of the House education committee, likewise “told state education leaders last week that he expects schools will be part of the infrastructure bill.” According to Politico, “increasing federal funding for school construction isn’t likely to be an area of agreement between Democrats and Republicans.” (more…)
by Chris Kulow | Mar 31, 2021 | Legislative Update Blog, National Issue
From NSBA National Connection:
ABC News (3/30) reports a study released Tuesday by the Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center suggests “targeted violence against schools is preventable, if the warning signs are identified.” The report “studied 67 thwarted school violence plots and 100 plotters to come up with a framework to further prevent school attacks.” The agency determined there were “several consistent factors in attacks that were prevented and attacks that happened, such as a history of discipline or law enforcement interaction, if the plotter had experienced bullying or had underlying mental health issues, intended to commit suicide or had been impacted by childhood conditions.” The Secret Service also “found that 45% of the attacks planned, but not carried out, were based on a grievance with a classmate,” and that “15% of potential attackers wanted to kill.” (more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Mar 31, 2021 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
In a 4-3 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court today (3/31) ruled that Gov. Tony Evers exceeded his authority by issuing multiple public health emergencies and related orders in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The case was brought last fall by a private citizen who asked the state Supreme Court to take original jurisdiction. Oral arguments took place in November. The decision holds the governor’s existing emergency order (#105), which was set to expire on Monday, April 5, to be unlawful.
Writing for the majority, Justice Brian Hagedorn noted, “The question in this case is not whether the Governor acted wisely; it is whether he acted lawfully. We conclude he did not.“
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by Dan Rossmiller | Mar 30, 2021 | Federal Issue, Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
Yesterday (3/29), Gov. Evers unveiled his initial plan for allocating $3.2 billion in federal funding the state of Wisconsin is slated to receive from the recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Evers also announced he had vetoed a bill that would have given the Legislature more say over the use of those funds, according to a statement from the administration.
Legislative Republicans who control both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature had passed legislation requiring legislative oversight and approval of the federal funds, but Evers vetoed Senate Bill 183, saying it would prevent funds from going out to people who need them the most.
(more…)
by Dan Rossmiller | Mar 30, 2021 | Legislative Update Blog, State Issue
Gov. Tony Evers announced today (3/30) via Twitter that everyone 16 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 starting Monday.
(more…)
