Representative Ryan Clancy Opposes Legislative Republicans’ Distracting Non-Answers on Public Education

MADISON, Wis. – Today, Wisconsin’s Assembly met to consider a package of bills that regulate aspects of education ranging from cursive writing to civics to cell phones. None of the proposals as drafted contain appropriations for these policies, creating unfunded mandates for school districts across Wisconsin.

Rep. Ryan Clancy opposed these bills, speaking out strongly on the Assembly floor against the majority’s proposed blanket ban on cell phones in public schools.

Rep. Clancy issued the following statement:

“As a former teacher, and as a parent, I understand and have grappled with the very real problem of misuse and overuse of cell phones. But a one size fits all policy for all of our kids doesn’t make any sense.

Empty, unfunded legislation like this doesn’t actually help schools who want assistance on smartly regulating students’ cell phone use. There are solutions out there, like cell phone pouches, which could meet the needs of many districts and schools. But since we continue to underfund our public schools, it’s difficult for them to afford and implement these solutions without cutting other vital priorities.

Let’s be very clear: this is a special attack levied on public schools. If we were serious about regulating cell phones in schools statewide, we would do so by listening to parents, teachers, schools and school districts — and the students themselves — and providing support and funding, rather than an inflexible mandate.”

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.