Scott Walker's Policies Save School Districts Millions

More good news from Wisconsin:

School Districts Turn to New Health Insurers, Policies to Find Savings in 2011

As of September 1, 2011, at least 25 school districts in Wisconsin have switched health care providers or plans, or opened their insurance bidding to outside companies. For 23 districts that have reported their estimated savings, this has led to an extra $16.8 million for education a review of data by the MacIver Institute has found.

With the summer deadline passed, many of Act 10’s changes are taking effect in Wisconsin’s school districts. Any district without a ratified contract for the 2011-12 school year has been subject to the bill’s changes since June 30, which include employee contributions for health insurance and retirement as well as the elimination of collective bargaining for matters other than salaries. These policies have created substantial savings across the Badger State, reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Act 10’s package of tools has allowed many districts to make policy decisions that are allowing school boards to keep their staff intact. Our earlier rundown of reported savings from these policies found savings of over $162 million in 77 Wisconsin districts – over $507 per student.

Amongst the state’s 15 largest school districts, 12 have created substantial savings from using the budget bill’s tools. The three others, who refused to reopen their contracts to enact employee contributions, appear to be headed towards layoffs as a result.

Thank you, Scott Walker and the Republican legislators who voted for Act 10.

Recall Scott Walker?

You've got to be kidding.