Legislative Republicans Continue Their Decades-Long Attacks on Wisconsin’s Public Schools

MADISON, WI – Today, the legislature met in session to consider a package of bills ranging from mandating cursive in schools to a blanket ban on communication devices in classrooms. Many of these bills have already been introduced in other states – very few of them have public support from educators, educator associations, or the Department of Public Instruction (“DPI”).

Rep. Darrin Madison voted against all 6 bills and spoke against AB 2, emphasizing the need to maintain local control over the use of communication devices in classrooms.

Representative Madison (D-10) issued the following statement:

“These bills are another attempt by Legislative Republicans to distract from the real needs of our public school system. Legislative Republicans have been divesting from public education for over a decade while pushing a false narrative about our public schools and blaming teachers, parents, and communities. Their ultimate goal is clear – to continue to attack and privatize our public school system.

Assembly Bill 2 is a great example – instead of providing support to school districts to craft successful cell phone policies at the local level, most Legislative Republicans would rather pass a statewide ban that strips local control from school boards. I want to highlight that the vote against AB 2 was bipartisan.

Wisconsin’s public school system is the heartbeat of Wisconsin’s present and future. The real solution is simple: if we want to ensure Wisconsin’s children receive a world-class education that prepares them for the future and ensures their safety and long-term mental health, then we need to make real investments in K-12 education. For these our children, we will benefit from or pay for what they become.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.