Statement from Senator Chris Larson on the State of Education Address
"The most-recent voucher school to close its doors did so just nine days into the school year"
MADISON — The following is a statement of State Senator Chris Larson on the State of Education address by Superintendent Tony Evers.
“One of our cornerstone American principles is that access to quality education is a freedom and right that every child deserves. As we heard today from Superintendent Evers, Wisconsin can no longer honestly say every child has equal access to the kind of education to put them on the path to live the American Dream. It’s long past time we end the political rhetoric and reinvest in our traditional Wisconsin values to ensure every single child, regardless of economic background, obtains the knowledge and skills to put them on a path to success.
“Despite the recent historic cuts made to our traditional neighborhood schools, Governor Walker and Legislative Republicans continue to throw money at unaccountable, for-profit voucher schools.
“It is morally, ethically, and fiscally unacceptable that 57 taxpayer-subsidized voucher schools have been shut down since 2003, yet nothing has been done to ensure taxpayers or our children are protected. The most-recent voucher school to close its doors did so just nine days into the school year, leaving students and parents scrambling for a new school before open enrollment ends. How many more kids are they willing to let down before we put an end to this abuse of power?
“The facts show voucher schools are failing our children. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 3, which would protect our children and families with basic safety and educational standards that every school should practice. Wisconsin must put an end to the blatant waste, fraud, and abuse that has run rampant in the voucher system for the past 25 years. It’s time to do what we know works and invest in all our kids’ future.”
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.