Betsy DeVos

The School Finance Fixer Comes to MPS

Todd Gray has solved financial messes at other school districts. Can he clean up MPS?

How School Choice Backers Skew The Statistics

Are voucher schools really more 'cost-effective'?

Lake Country Charter Tied To Controversial Hillsdale College

Lake Country Classical Academy uses controversial Hillsdale charter school curriculum.

Public Schools At Stake in Governor’s Race

Michels wants universal school choice, would dismantle public schools.

Evers Rips Republicans On Schools

Governor condemns funding cuts, 'censoring' teachers and using 'kids as political pawns.'

School Voucher Lobby Wants More State Funding

Pushing for more public funding of private schools.

Is Rebecca Kleefisch Putting Campaign Cash Before Kids?

Gubernatorial Candidate Pushes for Pet Project of Billionaire Betsy DeVos and Cabal of Wealthy Donors

Governor Evers Vetoes Legislation to Provide Parents with Access to Classroom Materials

WILL-supported legislation would have required districts to post classroom material online

Baldwin Joins Colleagues in Letter Urging the Department of Education to Continue to Bolster Federal and State Oversight of Student Loan Servicers

Growing markets offer export opportunities

Superintendent Race Cost Record $3 Million

Underly and liberal groups spent combined $2.34 million, five times more than opponents.

Record Outside Group Spending for Underly

A record $1.02 million spent on state superintendent race, 80% of it by liberal groups.

Outside Groups Spent $1 Million on State Superintendent Race

Groups backing Underly had 5-1 advantage over those backing Kerr.

Liberals Have 13 to 1 Edge In Superintendent Race

Groups supporting Underly bury the one group backing Kerr in total campaign donations.

The Hammer of Student Testing

Republican legislators may use tests as a way to force schools to reopen.

Union Leaders Blast Trump Administration for Betraying Working Wisconsinites

AG Kaul Secures Early Court Victory Against Trump Administration Attack on Pandemic Relief Funds for Public Schools

August 27, 2020

Regents Approve Rules Complying with Title IX Changes

Without changes, UW-System could have lost $1 billion in federal revenues.

As DeVos Holds Closed Door Event with WI Federalist Society, WEAC President, Teachers Call Out Administration for Not Prioritizing Safe School Re-Opening Plan

WILL Files Amicus in National Legal Fight Over CARES Act Relief for Private Schools

WILL leads coalition of 38 state and national groups advocating for private schools

Public Schools Fight for Funding

MPS, other public school districts have gotten no federal CARES funding while choice and charter schools get millions.

AG Kaul Seeks Court Order to Immediately Block DeVos Rule Threatening K-12 Public School Pandemic Relief Funds

Mike Pence’s Unreality Show

The Vice President loves us. That’s why he keeps coming back to Wisconsin.

Will State Republicans Choose Safety for Wisconsin School Children or Trump’s Political Agenda?

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Wisconsin As Donald Trump and His Administration Bully School Children

Wisconsinites Blast Trump-Pence Administration on COVID-19 Response Ahead of VP Visit on Friday

Baldwin Helps Introduce $430 Billion Coronavirus Relief Legislation to Address National Child Care and Education Crises as Democrats Urge Republicans to Act on Bold COVID-19 Relief

Bill will provide relief to students and families and ensure child care providers, K-12 schools, colleges, and universities can continue to provide quality services to children and students across the country

Choice, Charter Schools Get Big Payday

Federal Paycheck Protection grants don’t fund public schools but do fund private schools.

Evers Won’t Issue New Shutdown Order

Cites Republican and Supreme Court opposition even as state cases double in just one month.

AG Sues Department of Education Over For-Profit College Rules

Secretary DeVos department repealed rules aimed at protecting students from fraud.

Evers Rejects UW System Rules on Sex Assault

System changes, in line with new federal regulations on sex harassment and assault, could have 'chilling' effect on victims, Evers says.

Gov. Evers Rejects Scope Statement Implementing Trump Administration Title IX Changes

Jensen Tries to Pre-Rig Redistricting

To maintain gerrymandering, neutralize governor, wants to give state Supreme Court the whip hand.

State Challenges Federal Sex Assault Changes

Kaul joins 17 other states opposing federal rules, claiming less protection for sexual assault and harassment victims.

AG Kaul, Gov. Evers Defend Title IX

DACA Families Left Out of Pandemic Aid

Parents of DACA recipients not eligible for stimulus checks and recipients excluded from emergency education grants.

Rural Educator Running for State Superintendent

Jill Underly, superintendent of the Pecatonica School District, wants to address educational inequities caused by poverty.

AG Kaul and Multistate Coalition Fighting for Emergency Relief for Federal Student Loan Borrowers in Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Votes for Resolution to Overturn DeVos Borrower Defense Rule

DeVos’ rule eliminates more than $11 billion in relief to defrauded borrowers and guts critical borrower protections

Will School Choice Help Reelect Trump?

Democratic attacks on choice and charter schools favored by minority voters could backfire.

MTEA Endorses Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Supports Congressional Effort to Overturn DeVos Borrower Defense Rule

DeVos’ rule eliminates more than $11 billion in relief to defrauded borrowers and guts critical borrower protections

Voucher Programs Cutting Into Public School Funding

State Sen. Erpenbach and Rep. Pope introduce legislation requiring a referendum before state aid to school districts can be cut.

GOP Gerrymandering and School Choice

Republicans proclaim vouchers for minorities while seeking ways to disenfranchise their votes.

Rep. Brostoff Reintroduces Public Education Reinvestment Act (PERA)

“Every Kid in Our State Deserves Access to High-Quality Public Education”

The Charter School Dilemma

They perform better and are supported by most black voters — but opposed by most white Democrats.

AG Kaul Joins 29-State Coalition Requesting Secretary DeVos Discharge Student Loans for Closed Schools

“People who had the misfortunate of attending a school that was mismanaged shouldn’t be saddled with debt for their unfinished degree.”

Journal Sentinel Censors Voucher Test Scores?

All the news about public school test scores, very little about voucher students.

Betsy DeVos Comes to Town

U.S. Education Secretary visits St. Marcus Lutheran School, promotes $5 billion federal plan for private schools.

Public School Workers, Parents, Community Leaders to protest Betsy DeVos appearance at publicly funded private voucher school

"Betsy DeVos is waging war on public education and is working to make drastic cuts to after school programs, arts education, literacy development, community schools, foreign language education, the Special Olympics, and has proposed a $143 billion cut from federal student loans."

AG Kaul and 50 AGs Call on Trump Administration to Discharge Student Loans for Disabled Veterans

"Discharging the student loans of veterans who are permanently disabled is the right thing to do—and it’s what the law requires."

Pocan Statement on President Trump Reversing Course on Eliminating Special Olympics Funding

“And by the way, can someone pull Betsy from under the bus?”

Trump Administration Seeks to Cancel Misguided Obama-era School Discipline Policy

WILL work has championed rescinding the illegal, harmful policy

Groups Spend $32.4 Million On Election!

New mid-term record, old mark was $18.9 million. Republicans have 2-1 edge in outside group spending.

Brad Schimel Silent on DeVos’s Plan to Arm Teachers

Will Schimel consider letting taxpayer money fund gun purchases for schools?

Charter Schools Hurt Traditional Public Schools

They divert public funds to schools that are less accountable.

Private School Voucher Backers Top $7.5 Million in Donations to Wisconsin Politicians

Pro Private School Voucher Gov. Walker Snags More Than 1 in 4 Dollars Donated Since 2008

Student Debt Duo Scott Walker and Betsy DeVos Team Up to Roll Back Protections From Predatory For Profit Colleges

Cuts to State Oversight and Rollback of Federal ‘Borrowers Defense’ Rule Leaves Students Vulnerable to Abuse

Worst Governor on Public Education Hosts Worst Secretary of Department of Education

No One Has Done More to Undermine Public Education Than Scott Walker; Betsy DeVos Has Helped to Underwrite It

Why Roys Is Wrong On School Choice

And what this may say about the Democratic Party.

Cathy Myers Announces Plan to Partner with Teachers and Students to Mobilize, Engage Voters in WI-01

Myers is a 24-year veteran high school teacher running to represent Wisconsin’s 1st District in Congress

Cathy Myers Responds to Bryan Steil Entering Race to Represent Wisconsin’s 1st District

Veteran high school teacher and school board member, Cathy Myers, believes Steil announcement will make education a key issue in WI-01 race

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Student Non-Discrimination Act

Legislation would help protect public school students from bullying, harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity

It’s Time For Career Politician Gov. Scott Walker to Quit His Election Year Gimmicks and Get Serious on Education Funding and School Safety

"This is a Governor well-versed in political gamesmanship."

The impact of Scott Walker and Betsy DeVos’ crusade against public schools has been devastating for Wisconsin students

Democrats have consistently supported public education, a fact that intimidates Walker in his re-election bid

Pocan: New GAO Report Shows School Voucher Programs Failing to Provide Students with Equitable Opportunities

The new report from GAO shows the outrageously low standards to which many school voucher programs are held.

Senators Baldwin and Nelson Call on Department of Education to Act on Student Loan Debt Relief Scams

One Wisconsin Now Statements on Trump-DeVos Repeal of Title IX Sexual Assault Investigation Guidelines

"Repealing revised guidelines on the investigations of sexual assaults on college campuses sends victims back into the shadows, deters reporting of sexual assault and protects predators."

Joint Finance Okays School Choice Expansion

Powerful voucher lobby, including Betsy DeVos, has spent millions to support state politicians.

Inside ALEC’s War on Public Education

Its general is Betsy DeVos, keynote speaker at annual conference I attended.

$8.5 Million Reasons Why GOP Expanding Vouchers

Multi millions in campaign donations, mostly from out-of-state voucher supporters.

Twenty State Attorneys General Respond to Trump Administration Proposal to Weaken Federal Rules on Responses to Campus Sexual Assaults … But Not Brad Schimel

Wisconsin Top Cop ‘Conspicuous by His Absence’

One Wisconsin Now Joins Nationwide Opposition to Trump Administration Rollback of Student Loan Borrower Protections

Trump Administration Getting It Completely Wrong, Protecting Predatory For Profit Colleges Instead of Hard Working Students and Taxpayers

Brad Schimel Refuses to Protect Student Loan Borrowers, Again

Way Past Time for Wisconsin Attorney General to Do the Right Thing

Brad Schimel Swag Update: Attorney General Denies Request to Provide Details on Purchases of Promotional Material Using Public Funds

Whether It’s Embarrassment or Ignorance AG Response to Open Records Request ‘Completely Unacceptable’

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Questions Education Secretary Betsy DeVos at Hearing on Education Budget

Senator Baldwin pressed Secretary DeVos on budget cuts to career and technical education and college affordability

GOP Ohio Attorney General Seeks to Hold Opioid Makers Accountable for Addiction Crisis, Wisconsin Attorney Brad Schimel Does Nothing

‘Even Fellow Republicans are Going to Court to Hold Opioid Manufacturers Accountable for Misleading Marketing Tactics’

Choice Schools Still Being Debated

New study says voucher students do better. Except on achievement.

Gov. Scott Walker Largest Benefactor Of Betsy DeVos Led Campaign To Unfairly Fund Unaccountable Private Schools

"For six years, Gov. Walker has come up with excuse after excuse for making historic cuts to public education..."

Student loan borrowers lose federal protections

Democrats call on Attorney General to defend student loan borrowers

Student Debt Hits $1.4 Trillion

Solutions needed. Trump, Walker policies will drive debt level higher.

Schimel Sides With Trump University Over Student Loan Borrowers

Attorneys General From Across Nation Denounce Trump Administration Effort to Repeal Consumer Protections For Student Loan Borrowers ...But Not Brad Schimel

Wisconsin Republicans Standing With Trump on State Visit Also Standing Against Student Loan Borrowers

Top State GOP Elected Officials Silent as Trump and Administration Strip Consumer Protections From Student Loan Borrowers

Why Republicans Couldn’t Beat Evers

The incumbent superintendent was vulnerable. Why the GOP stumbled.

City Proposal Protects Students

Protections target for-profit colleges that leave students with huge debts.

Voucher Money to Republicans Buys Voucher Cartel More of Our Money

New Memo Shows Voucher Students Get $1,000 More Than Public School Students

Rep. Pocan, 121 Members of Congress Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging the President to Reinstate Guidelines for Transgender Students

The bipartisan letter is supported by the ACLU, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, PFLAG, Transgender Law Center, and the Center for American Progress.

Two Tall Men Duel Over Schools

Evers and Holtz square off in superintendent's race; sparks fly both ways.

Evers, Holtz, Offer Real Clash On Issues

Incumbent state superintendent and challenger have fierce disagreements.

5 Election Takeaways

A horrible turnout, a big night for Evers, and who the heck is William Crowley?

One Wisconsin Now Statements on State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Voters Send Message of Support for Public Schools and for Public Officials With Integrity

Lowell Holtz Makes the Case That Lowell Holtz Can’t Be Trusted to Stand Up For Public Schools

Claims He Tried to Negotiate Sleazy, Possibly Illegal, Election Bribe Because Anonymous Business Leaders Told Him to

Has Private School Voucher Pander Paid Off for John Humphries?

Candidate for Superintendent of State Public Schools Snags His Largest Campaign Contribution, Tied to Major Backer of Private Voucher Schools, Days After Proposing Massive Increase in State Subsidy to Private Voucher Schools

Betsy DeVos Confirmation Vote: Wealth, Privilege and Political Calculation Trump Best Interests of Children

Supporters of Manifestly Unqualified Nominee Lose Any Credibility on Public Education Issues

Humphries Statement on Confirmation of Secretary DeVos

"We congratulate Besty DeVos on her confirmation as Secretary of Education"

Senator Chris Larson Calls on U.S. Senator Ron Johnson to Oppose DeVos Nomination

"Betsy DeVos has proven that she supports the same kind of irresponsible policies that have and will continue to hurt the children of our great state. "

Walker, Holtz and Humphries Standing by Their Woman, Betsy DeVos

Bipartisan Opposition Grows to Trump Pick of DeVos for Ed Chief Amid Plagiarism Scandal

Wisconsin Working Families Party Endorses Tony Evers for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent is “right choice” to advocate for students; resist federal attacks on public schools

Lowell Holtz Going Flip for Flop With John Humphries in Race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Holtz Publicly Expressed Enthusiasm to Implement the Common Core Academic Standards That He Now Declares Must Be Fought

If It’s a Day That Ends in ‘Y’ John Humphries Has a Scheme to Take Public School Funding and Give it to Private Voucher Schools

Candidate to Head Department of Public Instruction Continues Shameless Pander For Campaign Cash From Private Voucher School Industry

Records Reveal State Public School Chief Hopeful Donated to Gov. Scott Walker’s Recall Election Opponent

Whose Side is John Humphries On? His Own.

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Announces She Will Not Support Betsy DeVos’ Confirmation for Secretary of Education

“Betsy DeVos lacks the public education experience qualifications for this job and she would not rule out defunding public schools.”

Why Would Gov. Walker’s Campaign Chair Host Fundraiser for Walker Recall Petition Signer John Humphries? Follow the Money.

Right-Wing Kingpin Who Spent Over $100 Million to Fight For More Public Funding For Less Accountable Private Voucher Program Makes a Deal in Public School Superintendent Race

Support for Betsy DeVos as Federal Education Secretary Another Lesson About John Humphries’ Priorities

We’re Learning the Only Thing You Can Trust is That Humphries Will Put His Political Ambition Before Best Interests of Wisconsin Schools and Kids

Meet Donald Trump’s Anti-Public Education, Influence Peddling Billionaire: Betsy DeVos

DeVos presents a clear danger to public schools.

Openly Gay Members of Congress Raise Serious Concerns About Betsy DeVos’ Record on LGBT Equality

Rep. Pocan and his colleagues called on Senate HELP Committee members to demand Ms. DeVos denounce these inhumane positions.

Field Set for Private School Voucher Industry Campaign Cash Chase

‘Let the Shameless Pandering Begin’ as Two Candidates for Public Schools Head Seek to Snag Financial Support of Private School Voucher Industry

Baldwin, Whitehouse, Warren, and Feinstein Introduce Bill to Limit Tax Windfalls for Billionaires in the Trump Administration

Legislation would curb little-known tax loophole that allows appointees to delay their tax bills

Betsy DeVos Buys Influence Here

Trump’s pick for Education Secretary and her family spent $500,000 on WI candidates.

DeVos All Wrong on Charter Schools?

Trump education appointee favors charter schools without accountability. Data shows they fail.