....but didn't Milton's State Rep. Hixson run on the simplistic plea that "we just can't cut education." No other specifics offered. Well folks, he did it.

Ooops! "receive" Dang.

It would appear that you are not giving the Milton teachers enough credit and seem to actually disrespect them as not worthy if they don't receie a regular raise every year.

Oh, by the way. Does that mean that teachers only teach well if they are given regular raises? (I'd lose my job if I didn't keep up quality work. With or without a raise). If that's the case, move to a different district where the teachers are dedicated souls no matter what they are paid.

Oh, that's right. You city of Janesville people want to live in the city of Janesville, but want your kids to go to Milton. I never could figure out why that is like that. Those (seemingly) well-to-do JVL parents line up and want, want, want, whatever. (New school, new pool, this, that, and the other thing).

Apparently, this economy hasn't hurt you at all. Good for you!

It's hard to live in this area and not be affected financially (job loss, fewer hours). But that doesn't mean I am willing to sacrifice my daughter's education for a short-term situation. I am confident the Janesville area will rebound as the economy does.

That "logic" is commonly used by city councils, school boards, county, state, and federal governments. Apparently, they think we are stupid.

"Members said they'd rather present a large levy increase that later decreases than present a small levy that later increases."

Who are the idiots using that logic?

Apparently, you are not affected by job loss, reduction in pay/hours, etc. Good for you. As for me, I haven't had a raise in over 3 years. (At least, yes, I still have a job). But as everyone knows, everything keeps going up. Something wrong with a pay freeze for teachers, city workers, etc., in these tough economic times?? I think not.

My family lives in the city of Janesville. Both our daughters are in the Milton school district. We are VERY pleased with the education they are receiving! I am much happier to pay a tax increase for such a necessary and important item like this than I would for a new ice arena or pool. The ice arena/pool are only for a few where a good education benefits EVERYONE! And NO I am not a teacher nor do I work in the school district. I am a parent who belives that a good education is one of the most important things I can give my daughters! I also am greatful to all the teachers for helping to make that possible!

Milton always promises that things will be corrected in the future. They promised that our assessments would be lowered to agree with what is the real market value now, but we keep waiting. Now they're increasing the taxes on assessments that are illusory!?! Oh, and don't forget that they keep going forward with grand plans to build a new school, a new municipal building, etc., etc., etc.

A large levy that latter decreases? Who are they talking to, children? That will never happen.

Put another chink in the wall, Milton.
Storm water fee increase.
School tax increases.
Ethanol smell increase (last night was horrible as well as last Fri).

And who do you have to thank for doing away with the caps on property taxes.....that's right, the party of the "working man" the democrats. Y'all remember to vote democrat again real soon now, ya hear!

I agree with you dq. With many others getting laid off or being forced to take a pay cut, it is now their turn. They can teach for less.

Has anyone noticed that since times have gotten worse for the working class,all the increases that has been implemented on all of us. Maybe when times were good we didn't notice all the extra tax's the rich has been sucking from us. Can you hear it,big vacuum sound.

just wait, the next move in the playbook will be
** if milton cannot raise taxes they will have to cancel football
** cancel special ed
** close some other popular activity

scare tactics nearly always win.

kind of think that its time to start getting some of the fat out of the teachers union

They'd rather present a larger increase now then a gradual increase over time? Do they not realize a dollar today is worth more than a dollar tomorrow.

okay maybe not in todays economic state, but the general theory.