Statement from Senator Chris Larson on the Department of Instruction Budget Proposal

Madison, WI – Today, Senator Larson offered the following response to the Department of Instruction (DPI) budget proposal submitted by State Superintendent Evers.

“State Superintendent Evers has once again shown his commitment to improving the lives of Wisconsin children by proposing a well-thought-out plan of action to prioritize investment in our neighborhood schools, and address the unfair funding disparities that exist between districts. This is a great plan to address the crisis created in our state’s schools.

“Our traditional neighborhood schools have been severely and intentionally underfunded for six years as a result of irresponsible decisions made by Gov. Walker and legislative Republicans. In fact, we’ve seen the largest cuts to education in state history. These cuts betray our shared values of ensuring a quality education for each Wisconsin child. The damaging pattern of disinvestment/privatization/punishment pursued by the Republican-led Legislature has crippled the ability of many of our school districts to provide an equal education for our students. These dangerous and damaging actions have led to an increase in class sizes, a reduced pool of highly-qualified teaching staff, and the stagnating of educational growth and achievement of our students. Our children deserve better. They deserve a real future.

“In speaking with district administrators across the state, it has been made clear that innovative, immediate action must take place to secure our children’s future and the future of our great state. The era of assaulting public education by tying the hands of our neighborhood schools must end.

“Superintendent Evers has consistently placed children first and has stood firm against the draconian cuts made by public education detractors. I look forward to continuing this immensely important discussion of providing our schools with the staff and resources needed to help our children achieve. The best way to promote economic security and prosperity in Wisconsin is by investing in our local school systems, and rejecting privatization special interests who are focused on profit and ideology.”

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.