Broadband and WiscNet update

Recent News:

 About the Access Wisconsin lawsuit:
·        The Wisconsin Independent Telecommunications Systems, operating  as Access Wisconsin, filed a lawsuit July 20, 2011, against the UW Board of Regents, WiscNet, CCI Systems and the state Department of Transportation seeking to stop the BCCB federally funded project.
·        On July 21, 2011, a Dane County judge, Peter Anderson, denied a temporary restraining order to stop the work.
·        Access Wisconsin will present its side and UW System lawyers will present the BCCB side at an Aug. 30, 2011, hearing presided over by Judge Anderson.
·        Judge Anderson’s decision is expected in about a week after the hearing.
·        If Judge Anderson decides in favor of BCCB going forward, Access Wisconsin can appeal in the District 4 Court of Appeals in Madison.
·        If Judge Anderson rules in favor of Access Wisconsin, next steps would depend on findings of fact and the wording of an injunction.

WiscNet and Broadband Legislation Summary

WiscNet is a non-profit cooperative that provides Internet service at reasonable costs to local school districts and public libraries. In the recent state budget the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee proposed restrictions that would have limited WiscNet’s ability to provide Internet services to schools and libraries, restrict the UW from forming a cooperative arrangement with WiscNet to provide Internet services and accept a Federal Broadband Grant. About 75% of Wisconsin school districts and 95% of public libraries get their Internet access from WiscNet. 

After a strong show of support from the library community and other WiscNet supporters across the state, a compromise was worked out between WiscNet and the legislature that would allow WiscNet to continue providing services to current customers, and retain a $32 million dollar federal Broadband grant.  Originally any new financial commitments or new WiscNet members would need to be approved by the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee and a two year study was to be conducted to study WiscNet’s relationship with the University of WI, the impact on private Internet Service Providers and WiscNet’s services to members. However the governor vetoed this portion. A summary of the governor's veto appears below:

Among the Governor’s vetoes was a partial change to the WiscNet provisions added by the State Assembly. The Assembly amendment extended WiscNet’s funding until July 1, 2013 but allowed for Joint Finance to continue funding the program after that date. However, the Governor’s veto removed Joint Finance’s ability to continue the program beyond July 1, 2013, meaning the prohibitions on WiscNet will likely take effect in 2013.
 

So as it stands now WiscNet is still at risk, but defunding has been postponed until 2013. Groups are currently studying the situation and recommendations for action will be forth coming. As soon as we hear any updates or calls to action we will inform WEMTA members.

The Capital Times Article on status of Broadband in Wisconsin

TODD FINKELMEYER | The Capital Times July 21, 2011

State Internet debate 101: Key entities, projects and terms  Madison.com July 20, 2011

Wisconsin Preserves Low-Cost Broadband for Schools, Libraries—for Now
School Library Journal  By Michelle Lee June 21, 2011
 

Update on the Assembly Education Committee Vote on Common School Fund Item

Good News!  Assembly Bill 130, which contains a provision to remove the 25 percent limit on computer purchases with Common School Fund proceeds, failed to pass committee by a vote of 5-6.

A great way to connect with your Congressperson is  attend listening sessions in your communities.

Rep Sensenbrenner will hold town hall meetings

Wisconsin Take Action

Contact your Legislator

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

Take Action

http://capwiz.com/nea/wi/state/main/?state=WI#0

Take Action for School Libraries and Student Learning

http://act4sl.wikispaces.com/

Fair Funding for Wisconsin Students

http://fairfundingforourfuture.org/

Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools

http://www.excellentschools.org/

Penny For Kids

http://www.apennyforkids.org/

Advocacy: Be Informed - Be Heard

As educators, we believe in the importance of free and equitable access to information in a democratic society and in the importance of information literacy as a national bedrock principle. In today's schools, technology has greatly impacted instruction.  It is essential to have a highly qualified professional to have an effective information and technology programs to prepare students for work and college.  

In an increasingly complex world, with strong competition for state and national funding, the library community must speak - and be heard.

Our 2009-2011 Advocacy Plan (see below) lists the various positions we have taken as a professoinal organization. 

At the national level we are keeping watch on important issues such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and funding issues such as the continuing funding of Enhancing Education Through Technology(EETT). Members are encouraged to contact federal legislators through CapWiz and to join EdTech Action Network (ETAN) to stay apprised of national legislative issues.

As an organization, WEMTA is active politically. We lobby locally, statewide, and nationally for policies and funding in support of

Public School Libraries
Public Education
Public Libraries
Educational Technology

Latest News on Government Issues

The Wheeler Report

Being an advocate

(reference building bridges and using the "Common Agenda")

The responsibilities of the Legislative Advocacy Committee are to:

• Maintain a communications network through which members can respond to legislative and other governmental issues of importance to the Association.
• Develop a working relationship with the Legislative Consultant and work together on legislative strategies for the Association and articles and reports for the Dispatch and listserv.
• In collaboration with the Legislative Consultant, develop annual goals, a legislative advocacy agenda and a plan of action for accomplishing such and submit it to the Board for approval at its fall meeting.
• Make recommendations to the Board of Directors for initiating legislative action of importance to the profession and work to implement such action.
• Recommend specific action regarding legislative issues to the members on approval of the Board and/or the President.
• Work cooperatively with ALA/AASL, ISTE, DPI, ECB, WLA and other organizations with mutual interests in sharing information, publicizing issues, and action in support or opposition of the same.
• Mobilize members regarding critical issues via the most appropriate and effective communications tool.
• Promote legislative awareness and education efforts through conference programs and coalition building efforts, e.g. Legislative Retreat.
• Know and communicate with legislators and Department of Public Instruction officials and keep aware of current issues through the ALA Washington Newsletter, DPI newsletters, professional publications, etc.
• Plan, promote and participate with WLA in the annual Library Legislative Day. • Promote and participate in the national legislative activities of our affiliated Associations.

Revision approved by Board of Directors on 09/12/2009

The co-chairs of the committee are Allison G. Kaplan and Kathy Sanders

WEMTA Legislative Committee Reports

February Board Report

www.wemta.org/legislativeadvocacyFeb11.pdf

Michael Blumenfeld's Report

http://www.wemta.org/WEMTA_UpdateFEB2011.pdf