AFTW President and UW Students Condemn Rebecca Kleefisch’s Extreme Cuts to Education Funding

MADISON, Wis. —  Today, AFT-Wisconsin President Kim Kohlhaas and University of Wisconsin students responded to Rebecca Kleefisch’s record of cutting funds for college and technical education. As lieutenant governor, Kleefisch refused to support Wisconsin public schools. She proudly stood by her administration’s devastating budgets, including slashing $250 million from the UW System and $71.6 million from Wisconsin’s technical college system – 30 percent of their funding.

Click here to see the full press conference.

Chandra Chouhan, UW Madison: “I know that as a lifelong educator, Governor Evers shares my values and commitment to education. Rebecca Kleefisch does not. As Scott Walker’s lieutenant governor, she supported a $250 million budget cut from the UW system – a funding cut so radical it was criticized by some Republicans.”

Madeline Miner, UW Stevens Point: “I am so grateful to be studying at Stevens Point. There are very few nationally accredited, professional theatre programs in the midwest that are offered like the one here. But I know all too well, when funding is taken away, arts programs are the first to go. We need a leader in the capitol like Governor Tony Evers who values our work and our education. Rebecca Kleefisch doesn’t value education, at any level.”

Melissa Collier, UW Eau Claire: “My UWEC education is important to me because it’s preparing me for my future career. This is all possible thanks to strong investments in our public university system. But under a Kleefisch administration, the UW system could face massive funding cuts, and students like me could suffer. In 2022, we need to re-elect a governor who cares about our education, and investing in building a workforce in Wisconsin.”

Kim Kohlhaas, President of AFT-Wisconsin: “Wisconsin’s technical colleges are at the forefront of growing and developing Wisconsin’s workforce to meet the needs of businesses in the 21st century. Investing in our education strengthens our economy through workforce development, attracts new jobs, and builds new industries in our state.  Furthermore, for students of color, technical colleges provide training and certification for a pathway to economic security. The technical college system is the affordable opportunity for many future employees.

“That’s why, in his latest budget, Governor Evers proposed an increase of $36 million in technical colleges over the next two years. He is committed to workers in our state – Rebecca Kleefisch cannot say the same about her record.”

More background on Rebecca Kleefisch’s dangerous record is also available at www.RadicalRebecca.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.