THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM IS A PBS WISCONSIN ORIGINAL PRODUCTION.

>> Russia invades Ukraine, and a humanitarian crisis unfolds.

The future of cash bail standards could be put in the hands of voters.

And is the ferocity of COVID-19 finally over?

Or are we just over it?

>> I'm Frederica Freyberg.

Tonight on "Here and Now" -- We hear the Wisconsin delegation respond to the crisis in Ukraine.

The last county in Wisconsin drops its mask mandate, but Two perspectives will weigh-in on the debate over bail reform.

And lawmakers take action on historic teacher shortages.

It's Here and Now for February 25th.

FUNDING FOR 'HERE & NOW' IS PROVIDED BY THE FOCUS FUND FOR JOURNALISM AND FRIENds of PBS Wisconsin.

>> The brutal assault on Ukraine as Russia fully invaded its borders leaves the world shaken and President Joe Biden promising escalating consequences.

As Russia fired missiles and invaded cities -- a humanitarian crisis is quickly unfolding with NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING A FLOOD OF REFUGEES.

THE U.S. HAS AMASSED SOME 20,000 TROOPS IN EUROPE AND TO DE-TEAR THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSION.

And the U.S. and the international community have imposed mounting sanctions on Russia...condemning the attack.

Wisconsin's U.S. senators have weighed in on the developing situation...

In a statement, Republican Senator Ron Johnson wrote, "Weakness tempts tyrants and totalitarians to seek more power.

People who only want to live in peace suffer the consequences... Europe must act with strength and resolve to prevent risking a wider conflict, and the U.S. Must support our NATO allies and freedom loving people in this moment of extreme peril."

And Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin said in a statement, "Putin has violated international law, invading a sovereign and democratic nation that wants peace and independence... We need to continue standing strong with our European allies and NATO by providing them the support they need to hold Putin accountable for the largest invasion of Europe since World War II."

Turning to COVID-19 in Wisconsin, over the course of the pandemic, Madison and Dane County public health imposed strict emergency orders -- including mandating masks in public spaces.

That mask order expires next week.

So if one of the strictest prevention efforts in Wisconsin is now going away, what does that say about where we stand with this disease?

We ask Ajay Sethi Associate Professor, Population Health Sciences at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> IT SEEMS LIKE EVEN WHEN THE STRAIGHT DANE COUNTY EASES UP ON MASKS AND TODAY THE CDC IS DOING THE SAME.

WE'RE IN A NEW PHASE.

EVEN AS HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE STILL IN THE HUNDREDS.

>> YEAH.

INDEED.

WE'RE JUST GETTING PAST THE SPIKE CASES DUE TO OMICRON THAT LED TO HOSPITALIZATIONS AND DEATHS.

AND IT'S TIME TO RETHINK THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PANDEMIC AND HOW WE CAN MOVE FORWARD LIVING WITH COVID AND TAKING NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS AS NEEDED.

>> SHOULD WE JUST BE KIND OF COMFORTABLE WITH GETTING A BREAK THROUGH CASE, FOR EXAMPLE, OF OMICRON, IF THAT HAPPENS A THE THIS POINT?

>> WELL, IF YOU ARE VACCINATED, AND ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE BOOSTED, YOU REALLY CAN FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THE VACCINES WILL PROTECT YOU AGAINST HAVING SEVERE ILLNESS.

IF YOU HAVE A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM, THAT'S IMPORTANT TO TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO SEE WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS FOR YOU.

IN SOME CASES A FOURTH DOSE MAY BE RECOMMENDED.

NO DOUBT THE VACCINES ARE AFFECT EFFECTIVE AGAINST SEVERE ILLNESS AND DEATH, AND IT'S A TIME TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE CAN POTENTIALLY MOVE FORWARD AND LIVE WITH COVID AND FEEL COMFORTABLE.

>> WOULD MOST PEOPLE IN WISCONSIN NOT VACCINATED ALREADY BEEN INFECTED, THEREBY HELPING US ALONG TO HERD IMMUNITY, TO WHICH WE'VE SPOKEN?

>> DEFINITELY A LOT OF IMMUNITY.

FROM PAST INFECTION, AND A COMBINATION OF BOTH.

ESTIMATES OF MAYBE 70% OR HIGHER OF PEOPLE IN WISCONSIN HAVE SOME FORM OF IMMUNITY AND THAT HELPS A BIT OF A WALL TO PREVENT THE VIRUS FROM BEING PASSED FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER.

THE WILD CARD, OF COURSE, IS THE FUTURE VARIANT, AND THE ABILITY OF FUTURE VARIANTS TO ESCAPE SOME OF THE IMMUNITY WE HAVE IN THE POPULATION.

BUT RIGHT NOW WE CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT THERE'S A LOT OF PROTECTION THAT IS OUT THERE.

>> SO THE QUESTION IS, WHEN DOES COVID-19 BECOME ENDEMIC, AND WHAT EVEN IS THE DEFINITION OF THAT?

>> YEAH.

THERE ISN'T NECESSARILY A ANSWER THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE UPON.

AND IT'S NOT JUST A MATHEMATICAL ANSWER.

IT'S REALLY WHEN SOCIETY FEELS THAT WE CAN TOLERATE OR WE CAN MANAGE THE CASES THAT ARE BEING TRANSMITTED.

AND I WOULD SAY AS LONG AS OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS CAN MANAGE SURGES THAT OCCUR, MUCH LIKE THEY PREPARE FOR FLU SEASON, IF THERE IS A COVID SEASON THAT'S IN THE WINTER MONTHS, OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS CAN DELIVER CARE TO EVERYBODY.

NO MATTER WHAT THEIR NEEDS ARE.

THAT'S A SIGN THAT AS A SOCIETY WE CAN LIVE WITH COVID.

BUT, OF COURSE, WE HAVE TO GET THERE.

I THINK THERE'S A DESIRE FOR THIS RIGHT NOW, BUT WE NEED TIME TO SORT OF PROVE AS A SOCIETY THAT WE CAN INDEED LIVE WITH COVID, BUT I THINK WE CAN GET THERE.

>> OKAY.

ONE OTHER QUESTION.

IS LONG COVID NO LONGER A CONCERN FOR FOLKS OR PEOPLE IN HAVE HAD THE OMICRON?

>> IT'S STILL A CONCERN.

ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE UNVACCINATED.

IT'S A RISK.

IT CAN OCCUR.

AND IT'S NOT AS RARE AS SOME PEOPLE MAY THINK.

VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WERE BOOSTED DON'T HAVE THE SAME RISK FOR LONG COVID.

AT LEAST THAT'S WHAT THE RESEARCH IS SHOWING RIGHT NOW.

AND THAT'S WHY I THINK WITH THAT IMPORTANT TOOL IT'S IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO REMIND THOSE OVER 2 MILLION WISCONSIN AYE -- WILL LITES NOT -- THOSE WISCONSINITES NOT VACCINATED YET.

>> WHO SHOULD STILL AGAIN BE TAKING PRECAUTIONS?

>> IT'S NOT A BAD IDEA FOR ANYBODY TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS.

ESPECIALLY IF THEY PERCEIVE THEIR RISK TO BE HIGH.

BUT THOUGH WITH CO-MORBIDITY, OLDER INDIVIDUALS AND OF COURSE, ANYBODY UNVACCINATED, JUST TO REMEMBER THEY ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE FOR GETTING COVID.

EVEN WITH PAST INFECTION, THAT IMMUNITY MAY NOT LAST AS LONG AS YOU MIGHT THINK, AND IF YOU HAVE HAD A PAST INFECTION WITH A VARIANT THAT DOESN'T CIRCULATE ANYMORE, YOU HAVE RISK FOR MORE SEVERE DISEASE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

Both houses of the legislature have passed a proposed constitutional amendment to change the way cash bail is set in Wisconsin.

We'll hear from both sides of this issue, but first, Marisa Wojcik explains the proposal.

Wisconsin voters may have the question of bail reform put before them.

The state Legislature passed a RESOLUTION THAT COULD GIVE JUDGES MORE LATITUDE IN DECIDING IF SOMEONE CHARGED WITH A CRIME REQUIRES HIGHER BAIL AMOUNTS WITH STRICTER CONDITIONS OF RELEASE.

THE PRIMARY FUNCTION OF BAIL IS TO ENSURE SOMEONE ACCUSED OF A CRIME WILL RETURN TO COURT FOR TRIAL.

CURRENTLY, THE COURT MUST FOLLOW CERTAIN CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH A PERSON IS ELIGIBLE FOR RELEASE, AND THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS THE ONE THAT REQUESTS BAIL AMOUNTS.

UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, JUDGES WILL CONSIDER A PERSON'S CRIMINAL HISTORY AND POTENTIAL THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY WHEN SETTING BAIL.

THIS DEBATE HAS COME TO THE FOREFRONT AFTER A MAN OUT ON BAIL TORE THROUGH A DOWNTOWN WAUKESHA CHRISTMAS PARADE IN HIS SUV, KILLING SIX PEOPLE AND INJURING DOZENS MORE.

THE JOINT RESOLUTION MUST BE TAKEN UP AND PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE NEXT SESSION BEFORE THEY VOTE TO RATIFY THE INSTITUTION.

IT WAS PASSED LARGELY ALONG PARTY LINES AND SEEKING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THE LEGISLATURE BYPASSES THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO VETO THE MEASURE.

>> THE MOVE TO CHANGE THE BAIL SYSTEM IN WISCONSIN TOOK ON NEW URGENCY AFTER THE WAUKESHA CHRISTMAS PARADE WHEN A MAN OUT ON $1,000 BAIL ON AN ASSAULT CHARGE PLOWED THROUGH CROWDS KILLING SIX PEOPLE.

REPUBLICAN SENATOR VAN WANGGAARD AUTHORED THE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE AMENDMENT.

HE JOINS US NOW.

THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU FREDERICA, AENER TO BE HERE.

>> SENATOR, WE DESCRIBED IN A REPORT HOW JUDGES AND COMMISSIONERS UNDER THE AMENDMENT WOULD NOW HAVE TO CONSIDER THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CRIME, PAST CRIMINAL HISTORY AND PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.

DOES THIS FLY IN THE FACE, AS SOME PEOPLE SAY, OF THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE?

>> THE PROBLEM WITH MONETARY -- WHERE THE CONSTITUTION READS NOW MONETARY BOND IS DESIGNED TO ASSURE THAT THAT INDIVIDUAL IS GOING TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR APPEARANCE.

BUT IF I SAY, OKAY, I WILL PUT UP MY -- YOU MAKE MY BOND $50,000, I WILL COME UP WITH A $50,000 FROM SOMEWHERE, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT IF I GET OUT, I AM GOING TO KILL EVERY WITNESS, AND ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN MY CASE WHEN I GET OUT.

BUT I WILL SHOW UP FOR COURT.

WELL, THE JUDGE HAS TO BE ABLE TO CONSIDER ALL OF THOSE POTENTIAL THREATS, AND INTIMIDATIONS TO WITNESSES.

THE INDIVIDUAL'S CONDUCT BEFOREHAND.

AND WHAT THEIR THREATS ARE.

AND CAN THEY DELIVER ON WHAT THOSE THREATS ARE.

THOSE THINGS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NOW.

BUT THE WAY THE LAW READS THAT MONITORY PAIL IS REASONABLE AMOUNT SOMEONE MAKES THAT CAN TIE TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE BAIL USED TO BE LINKING THEM AND KEEPING THEM HERE TO SHE UP FOR COURT -- TO SHOW UP FOR COURT.

>> CAN'T A JUDGE IMPOSE CONDITIONS OF WHAT YOU SPEAK IF A DEFENDANT IS THREATENING PEOPLE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

CAN'T THERE BE NO CONTACT ORDERS AND STUFF LIKE THAT UNDER THE CURRENT LAW?

>> SURE.

THE JUDGE CAN PUT THAT IN PLACE.

AGAIN, IT'S THE SAME THING.

IF I HAVE A HISTORY OF BEING VIOLENT, AND I HAVE A HISTORY OF DELIVERING ON MY THREATS, THE JUDGE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONSIDER THAT TOO.

IF I JUST RAN DOZENS OF PEOPLE DOWN WITH MY VEHICLE, AND THEY SET THE BOND REALLY LOW, AND I SAY I AM GOING TO GO RUN SOME MORE PEOPLE OVER, THE MONETARY SIDE OF THINGS, THAT'S THE WAY THE STATURE READS.

THE MONETARY IS TO BE REASONABLE SO THE PERSON CAN MEET THE BAIL BUT THAT THEY'RE GOING TO SHOW UP.

IN THE WAUKESHA CASE, THE JUDGE SET THE BAIL AT $5 MILLION BECAUSE FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED.

AND THE COMMENT WAS HE IS NOT GOING TO GET OUT NOW BECAUSE I SET THE BAIL HIGH.

BUT THAT'S NOT REALLY FITTING WITH WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAID IT SHOULD BE.

AND THAT CASE WAS DIFFICULT.

AND WHAT THIS AMENDMENT WILL DO IS GIVE THE JUDGE THE ABILITY TO CONSIDER THOSE THINGS SPECIFICALLY, AND GIVE IT BACK TO THEM LIKE IT DID PRE-1981 AND ALSO GIVEN THE RESPONSIBLY TO DO IT.

WHICH ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS.

LEAVES ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND NOT DOING.

>> INTERESTING.

INTERESTING STUFF.

CERTAINLY WE'LL BE FOLLOWING IT.

SENATOR, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> FREDERICA, THANK YOU FOR THE TIME.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> OPPONENTS OF THE AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE BAIL SYSTEM IN WISCONSIN WORRY IT'LL LEAD TO MANY MORE PEOPLE HELD IN JAIL PRIOR TO TRIAL.

PEOPLE PRESUMED INNOCENT AND DO NOT, IN FACT, POSED A SAFETY RISK.

AMONG THEM PUBLIC STATE DEFENDER KELLI THOMPSON.

SHE JOINS US NOW.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

>> WHY WILL THIS LEAD TO MANY MORE JAILED PRETRIAL?

>> IT LIKELY WILL LEAD TO ADDITIONAL PEOPLE HELD PRETRIAL BECAUSE CASH BAIL DOES NOT EQUATE TO RISK.

YOU AND MYSELF COULD BE CHARGED WITH THE SAME CRIME AND PROVIDED A CASH BAIL BY THE COURT OR BY THE COMMISSIONER.

ONE CAN PAY.

ONE CANNOT PAY.

AND THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THE PERSON THAT CAN PAY IS LESS RISKY.

WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS IN OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, IN OUR JAILS RIGHT NOW, PRESUMED INNOCENT.

AND THEY JUST DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO PAY THE CASH BAIL THAT'S BEEN SET IN THEIR PARTICULAR CASE.

>> IN TERMS OF THE AMENDMENT, WHY IS IT WRONG TO CONSIDER THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CRIME, PAST CRIMINAL HISTORY, AND PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WHEN SETTING BAIL?

>> IT IS NOT THAT IT'S WRONG, IT'S JUST ARE WE LOOKING AT THE CORRECT FACTORS THAT WE SHOULD BE TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE.

AND STILL STAY TRUE TO WHAT I THINK IS EXTRAORDINARILY IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US.

THAT PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE AND OUR LIBERTY INTEREST.

WE TAKE AWAY SOMEONE'S LIBERTY INTEREST WHEN WE HOLD THEM IN JAIL PRESUMED INNOCENT.

PART OF WHAT HAPPENS, WHEN WE KEEP SOMEONE IN CUSTODY, PRIOR TO CONVICTION IN A CASE, WE'RE TAKING AWAY THEIR HOUSING SECURITY, TAKING AWAY THEIR CHILDREN, THEIR ABILITY TO WORK AND BE EMPLOYED AND DOING IT AGAIN ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THEY HAVE COMMITTEED A CRIME.

THEY'RE STILL JUST CHARGED.

AND AGAIN THE PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE IS TO VERY CRITICAL.

WHAT WE SEE DAILY, THAT A NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS ARE SITTING TOO POOR TO PAY A CASH BAIL, EVEN SOMETIMES A LOW CASH BAIL, AND SO THEY SIT WAITING FOR THEIR DAY IN COURT.

WE KNOW NATIONALLY -- THIS IS NOT A NEW DISCUSSION.

IN FACT, WE HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER LEGISLATE TOWERS, WITH SENATORS, WITH REPRESENTATIVES, SENATOR VAN WANGGAARD.

AND WE HAVE WORKED WITH STATES AND COUNTIES AND CASH BAIL IS NOT THE OTHER ONES DIRECTIONS THEY'RE GOING OR EXPANDING CASH BAIL.

>> WOULD LIKE TO DO AWAY WITH CASH BAIL ALL TOGETHER IN.

>> I WOULD.

BUT I KNOW THAT'S NOT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.

AND THAT'S NOT WHAT I AM ASKING FOR.

I KNOW THAT CASH BAIL DOES PLAY A ROLE NAP PEOPLE FEEL THAT DOES HOLD BASICALLY A STICK OR A CARROT TO GET PEOPLE TO COME BACK TO COURT.

BUT IT SHOULD BE USED IN SUCH LIMITED SITUATIONS.

I'M GOING BACK TO MOST PEOPLE SHOULD BE OUT OF CUSTODY.

THEY'RE PRESUMED INNOCENT.

A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS MAY NEED SOMETHING MORE TO CONTINUE THEM IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND THAT CAN BE NO CONTACT ORDER.

NO VIOLENT CONTACT ORDER.

THAT COULD BE SOME TIME OF SERVICES.

THAT COULD BE ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

AND THEN THERE'S A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WE SAY, HEY, YOU NEED SOMETHING MORE, AND THAT COULD BE THE CASH BAIL SYSTEM WE USE.

BUT, AGAIN, CASH BAIL DOES NOT EQUATE TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

WHEN WE GO BEFORE A COMMISSIONER AND A JUDGE TO MAKE A DETERMINATION ON BAIL, WE HAVE SOME INFORMATION BUT THE HEARINGS GO VERY, VERY QUICKLY, AND WE DON'T HAVE A LOT LOT OF INFORMATION OFTEN ON THESE INDIVIDUALS.

AND WE'RE SAYING, HOW ESPECIALLY TO POOR PEOPLE YOU ARE MORE RISKY.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT'S THE SYSTEM WE SHOULD BE STRIVING TO HAVE IN WISCONSIN.

>> THERE ARE OTHER MODELS OF WHICH YOU SPOKE THAT PEOPLE ARE RESEARCHESES THE FEDERAL MODEL OF DETENTION, HOW IS THAT BETTER PEOPLE THINK THAN WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT?

>> IT DOESN'T PUT TWO PEOPLE SIMILAR SITUATED, ONE BEING POOR THOUGH, IN CUSTODY WHILE SOMEONE ELSE WHO CAN POST THE CASH BAIL OUT OF CUSTODY.

PREVENTIVE DETENTION IS USED IN A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF CASES.

AND IT DOES, WHAT I THINK INDIVIDUALS ARE LOOKING AT, WE HAVE PERHAPS A VERY HIGH RISK GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH VERY SERIOUS CASES, AND A COMMISSIONER OR A JUDGE CAN DETERMINE THAT THERE IS -- YOU SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED.

AGAIN IT'S A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF CASES.

BUT THEY DO HAVE THAT ABILITY.

WITH A LOT OF PARAMETERS.

WE HAVE TO RESPECT DUE PROCESS AND MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE CAN HAVE HEARINGS AND THAT THERE COULD BE MOTIONS TO GO BEFORE JUDGES AND SAY, HEY, WE HAVE NEW INFORMATION THAT THIS PERSON SHOULD BE RELEASED.

BUT THE FEDERAL SYSTEM DOES THAT.

A NUMBER OF STATES DO THAT.

WE HAVE IT IN OUR CONSTITUTION, IT'S UNWORKABLE.

BUT IS THAT WHERE WE SHOULD FOCUS SOME OF OUR ATTENTION IF PRIMARY SAFETY IS OF CONCERN TO SOME INDIVIDUALS.

AND AGAIN HERE WE'RE BY EXPANDING THE CASH BAIL, BY ULTIMATELY KEEPING THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD IN CUSTODY, AND OUT OF THE COMMUNITIES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES.

>> WE LEAVE IT THERE.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH, KELLI THOMPSON, AND THANKS FOR YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WOULD ALLOW JUDGES TO DENY BAIL ALL TOGETHER BASED ON PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY.

>> ALSO IN THE LEGISLATURE, A PACKAGE OF ELECTION REFORM BILLS PASSED BY REPUBLICANS.

ADDRESSING ISSUES THAT COME UP IN 2020, ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATIONS AND IN-DEVIL INDEFE VOTING -- >> THEY THINK THAT PARACHUTING INTO WISCONSIN AND DROP MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN CERTAIN AREAS THEY DEEM IMPORTANT.

JUST REVEALS TO US HOW OUT OF TOUCH THEY REALLY ARE.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE QUESTIONS.

AND DON'T KNOW IF THEY SHOULD TRUST THE ELECTION BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN SAYING THEY SHOULDN'T TRUST THE ELECTION.

>> AND BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY THIS WEEK, SHANNON HOLSEY, THE PRESIDENT OF THE STOCKBRIDGE-MUNCIE BAND OF MOHICAN INDIANS ADDRESSED VETERANS NATURAL RESOURCES, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARES, AND PRESERVING IT'S SANCTITY OF DEMOCRACY.

THE FULL ADDRESS CAN BE SEEN ON PBSWISCONSIN.ORG, BUT HERE'S AN EX-CERTAINTY.

>> THE NEXT -- AN EXCERPT.

>> WE'RE EMERGING IN GLOBAL DEBATES AND REPRESENTATION TRULY MATTERS AND IT'S SO CRITICAL TO PRESERVE THE SANCTITY OF DEMOCRACY.

WHERE DIVERSE GROUPS OF PEOPLE ARE INCLUDED WHERE DECISIONS ARE MADE.

THAT IS WHY VOTING IS TO SACRED.

[ APPLAUSE ] >> IT WAS ALREADY A SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS IN WISCONSIN BEFORE COVID-19.

BUT THE PANDEMIC ONLY MADE IT WORSE.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION SAID SCHOOLS ARE FACING HISTORIC TEACHER SHORTAGES WITH FEWER STUDENTS PURSUING EDUCATION DEGREES.

DEMOCRATS AT THE CAPITAL THIS WEEK PROPOSED A PACKAGE OF EIGHT BILLS TO ADDRESS THE CRITICAL NEED.

ONE BILL WOULD SET THE MINIMUM SALARY FOR WISCONSIN TEACHERS AS THE EQUIVALENT OF WHAT STATE LEGISLATURES MAKE.

NOW AT JUST OVER $56,000.

ANOTHER WOULD CREATE A RECURRING $7,000 BONUS TEACHERS WOULD RECEIVE FOR EVERY 5 YEARS OF SERVICE AND ANOTHER MEASURE WOULD SET A $15 AN HOUR MINIMUM WAGE FOR STUDENT TEACHERS.

MILWAUKEE SENATOR LATONYA JACKSON IS AMONG DEMOCRATS PURSUING THE BILLS.

SHE JOINS US NOW.

THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> SO PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SOUNDING THE ALARM OVER WISCONSIN'S TEACHER SHORTAGE FOR YEARS.

HOW DO YOU THINK THESE PROPOSALS WILL ATTRACT PEOPLE TO THE PROFESSION AND KEEP THEM THERE?

>> I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE RECRUITING THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST MINDS TO EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN, AND WE KNOW THAT EVEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC THAT WAS A HARD OBSTACLE TO OVERCOME.

AND NOW WITH THE PANDEMIC IT HAS JUST EXASPERATED THE TEACHER SHORTAGE.

SO WE HAVE TO DO MORE IN PROVIDING LOAN PAYOFF, AND PAYING AN EQUIVALENT STARTING WAGE TO ATTRACT THOSE INDIVIDUALS INTO OUR CLASSROOM.

>> SO IS IT MOSTLY ABOUT PAY?

OR IS MORE?

THAT TEACHERS OR WOULD BE TEACHERS NEED?

>> IT'S ABOUT PAY BUT MOSTLY ABOUT SO MUCH MORE.

IT'S ABOUT BRINGING THE PROFESSIONALISM BACK TO STATUS QUO, AND BEING PROFESSIONAL.

YOU HAVE YOUNGER INDIVIDUALS NOT WANTING TO PURSUE A DEGREE IN TEACHING BECAUSE THEY DON'T SEE THE PROFESSION AS BEING APPRECIATED OR HIGHLY REGARDED.

AND WE HAVE TO DO MORE TO ATTRACT THOSE INDIVIDUALS INTO THE PROFESSION, BUT ALSO TO BRING IT BUREAUCRAT TO THE PROFESSIONAL STATUS THAT IT USED TO BE LONG BEFORE ACTING.

>> WHERE WOULD THE MONEY COME FROM TO PAY FOR THE PACKET?

>> WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY FOR THE PACKAGE.

WE HAVE $1.7 BILLION SITTING IN OUR RAINY-DAY FUND.

AND WE ARE ANTICIPATING $3.8 BILLION TO COME IN GPR.

SO THAT'S A TOTAL OF OVER $5 BILLION THAT WE SHOULD INVEST BACK INTO OUR CLASSROOMS, AND BACK INTO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN.

>> MEANWHILE, THE REPUBLICANS IN LEGISLATURE ARE PASSING BILLS TO EXPAND SCHOOL CHOICE AND PARENTS' RIGHTS AROUND CURRICULUM, FOR EXAMPLE, ALLOWING PARENTS TO SUE.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION THAT PROPOSALS, YOUR DEMOCRATIC PROPOSALS WILL EVER EVEN GET A VOTE?

>> YOU KNOW IT'S GOING TO BE AN UPHILL BATTLE.

AND IN MOST CASES THIS LEGISLATION PROBABLY WILL NEVER REACH THE FLOOR TO GET A VOTE THIS SESSION AS IT WILL QUICKLY COME TO AN END IN MARCH.

BUT WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE KNEW THAT THERE ARE INDIVIDUALS OUT THERE, ESPECIALLY ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE, THAT ARE -- WE UNDERSTAND THE NEED TO HAVE WELL-QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOM TEACHING OUR MOST VULNERABLE AND OUR MOST VALUABLE.

WE HAVE SEEN OUR -- MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES ON THE OTHER SIDE NOT SHOW ANY CARE OR CONCERN, ESPECIALLY FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

AND THERE HAS TO BE HONEST ABOUT IT.

I AM NOT AGAINST CHOICE IN CHARTER SCHOOLS.

MY DAUGHTER GRADUATED FROM A PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOL ON CHOICE.

SO I DO UNDERSTAND THE NEED.

BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE BIAS.

IN MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES CHOOSING TO WANT TO PICK SCHOOL SYSTEMS AGAINST -- PITTING THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS AGAINST EACH OTHER, RATHER THAN ADEQUATELY FUNDING AND MAKING SURE ALL SCHOOL SYSTEMS ACROSS THE BOARD HAVE WHAT THEY NEED, AND THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION TO OUR CHILDREN.

>> ANOTHER REPUBLICAN BILL WOULD BREAK UP MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTO SMALLER DISTRICTS.

WE KNOW IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS COME AROUND.

AS A SENATOR WHO REPRESENTS MILWAUKEE, WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT PROPOSAL?

>> IT'S DEMEANING.

BECAUSE WE HAVE SCHOOLS THAT EXIST IN OUR CHOICE AND CHARTER SYSTEMS TOO, AND WE'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO TRY TO HOLD THE SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATES OVER 78,000 STUDENTS.

AND OUT OF THAT 78,000 STUDENTS, OVER 62,000 OF THOSE STUDENTS ARE IMPOVERISHED AND ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED.

ANOTHER 20% OF THOSE STUDENTS ARE SPECIAL NEEDS AND REQUIRE SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING WHICH IS EXCEPTIONALLY EXPENSIVE.

RATHER THAN MY COLLEAGUES DOING WHAT THEY NEED TO DO, TO MAKE SURE THAT MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED TO ADEQUATELY FUND THE SCHOOLS, THEY CHOOSE TO WANT TO BREAK IT UP.

MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN THE PAST HAD SOMETHING CALLED A MILWAUKEE MAP PARTNERSHIP.

THAT WAS A PARTNERSHIP WITH UW-M AND THE TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AND WE SAW THOSE MATH GAPS CLOSE.

WE SAW MATH IMPROVE IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AND MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES CHOSE TO NOT FUND THE PROGRAM ANYMORE, AND IT WAS CUT OUT, AND NOW WE'RE SEEING THE GAPS COME BACK AGAIN AT A MUCH LARGER RATE.

IF THEY WANT TO DO THINGS TO IMPROVE AND HELP MILWAUKEE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THEY WOULD FUND THOSE SERVICES THAT ARE MOST NEEDED TO CLOSE THE GAPS AND STOP TRYING TO PENALIZE A SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT IS BIGGER THAN SOME OF OUR COUNTIES.

>> WE NEED TO LEAVE IT THERE.

SENATOR JOHNSON.

THANKS VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> FOR MORE WISCONSIN NEWS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT PBSWISCONSIN.ORG, AND THEN CLICK ON THE NEWS TAB.

THAT IS OUR PROGRAM FOR TONIGHT.

I'M FREDERICA FREYBERG.

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND.

FUNDING FOR HERE AND NOW IS PROVIDED BY: AND FRIENDS OF PBS WISCONSIN.