Contact:
Brandon Weathersby
608-260-2409
brandonw@wisdems.org
MADISON – Democrats know that a strong public education is the key to opening the doors of opportunity for millions of Wisconsinites. Unfortunately, under Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin has walked away from its commitment to strong public schools by making historic cuts to public education over the last six years all while shoveling millions to fund unaccountable private schools. This weekend, an investigation by the Associated Press revealed motivations for the Governor’s destructive policy choices.
After examining political contributions over a 10-year period by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and nearly 50 other individuals and married couples who gave large sums to advance unaccountable private schools funding over public school funding, nearly $1.5 million flooded Wisconsin since 2007. More than a third of the haul went to Gov. Scott Walker.
According to the Associated Press, Gov. Walker received $512,000 since his first run for governor in 2010. The report also found that the DeVos family donated $731,250 to politicians and political groups in Wisconsin – the third highest total for all states.
“Democrats believe that Wisconsinites should determine how their schools are funded – not out-of-state corporate tycoons looking to line their own pockets,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesman Brandon Weathersby said on Monday. “For six years, Gov. Walker has come up with excuse after excuse for making historic cuts to public education, but the latest report from the Associated Press is further evidence that his education policy choices were actually dictated by millionaires and billionaires outside of Wisconsin. If we want to ensure that every child has the chance to go to a great school, with great teachers, and with the programs and tools they need to succeed we need Democratic leadership that will ensure that Wisconsinites determine the future of our education system.”