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03-30-2012, 04:16 PM
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March 15, 2012
[Madison, Wisconsin] Gearing up for increased political activism on the cusp of a campaign to recall Governor Scott Walker, the State’s teachers’ union is being guided by the philosophy of radical leftist Saul Alinsky, the MacIver News Service has learned.
On Friday and Saturday WEAC is sponsoring community organizing training seminars put on by the Industrial Areas Foundation.
The IAF is a leftist community organizing network established in 1940 by Saul Alinsky. Alinsky, author of the book Rules for Radicals, remains a controversial political figure many years after his death. Opposed to many of the bloody revolutionary strategies supported by his fellow radicals, Alinsky was guided by a neo-Marxist philosophy that promoted infiltration and gradualism over violent confrontation.
“A Marxist begins with his prime truth that all evils are caused by the exploitation of the proletariat by the capitalists,” Alinsky wrote. “From this he logically proceeds to the revolution to end capitalism, then into the third stage of reorganization into a new social order of the dictatorship of the proletariat, and finally the last stage — the political paradise of communism.”
According to a website promoting the WEAC training, “The workshop will provide an overview of key concepts and critical components essential to building strong locals and connecting those locals into a broad based organization necessary to create power. Special emphasis will be placed on the identification of leaders and the creation of local allies necessary to effect change at both the local community and state levels. Participants should expect a practical interactive opportunity to learn and help shape the future organizing work of WEAC and other like-minded organizations in our state.”
On Eve of Recalls, WEAC Turns to Alinsky Disciples For Community Organizing Help | MacIver Institute
Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers
By Christian D’Andrea
MacIver Institute Education Policy Analyst
It’s a narrative we’ve touched on before – switching health insurers can save Wisconsin’s school districts hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This summer, two local school boards have proven this point in dramatic fashion.
Hudson and Kaukauna have both made headlines recently for saving over $1.5 million combined through bidding out their teacher health insurance programs. As a result, these districts are getting deals that will provide high-level health care while saving significant funding dollars.
Kaukauna’s switch from WEA Trust (owned and operated by the WI Teachers' Union) to WCA Group Health Trust will be part of an overhaul that is projected to turn a $400,000 deficit into a $1.5 million surplus. Their savings from the change are an estimated $400,000 – or about eight percent less than the district was paying under their previous plan. Part of these savings hinge on higher deductibles for eligible members.
Hudson also dropped WEA Trust and chose Health Partners as their new provider. This change, coupled with a switch to Delta Dental, is estimated to save $1.1-1.2 million each year. Prior to the enacting of Act 10, the district was not allowed to open their health care services up for competitive bidding unless such an agreement was collectively bargained with the union...."
Wisconsin Districts Save Millions by Switching Health Insurers | MacIver Institute
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