Contact: TJ Helmstetter, tjh@wisdems.org
This morning, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin held a media call in response to visits today from Trump administration officials Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and HHS Secretary Alex Azar. In discussing education policies, several speakers blasted Walker’s latest TV ad.
EXCERPTS FROM DPW CHAIRWOMAN MARTHA LANING:
“It isn’t surprising that Secretary DeVos is here in Wisconsin today, because she and Scott Walker have the exact same approach to education funding. They both support policies that have diverted taxpayer dollars to private, unaccountable schools while starving our public schools.”
“Today Scott Walker introduced a 60 second ad focusing on the Three Lakes School District, which due to lack of state funding nearly closed last year. Their community passed a $15 million school referendum to keep the school open. So it is tough to see Scott Walker taking credit for a program that his state funding decisions nearly destroyed.”
“Wisconsin can’t afford any more of Walker’s disastrous policies, and that’s why voters are ready for a new governor who will have a positive vision to expand healthcare and educational opportunity. Democrats are ready to lead Wisconsin to a better future for all.”
EXCERPTS FROM RON MARTIN, PRESIDENT OF THE WISCONSIN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION COUNCIL:
“I’m an eighth grade social studies teacher who has a long career dedicated to students. It’s unbelievable that Betsy DeVos, who has dedicated her life to dismantling public schools, would show up in Wisconsin for a photo op.”
“In Wisconsin, we believe all children have a right to a top-notch public education. Betsy DeVos doesn’t share that vision with us.”
“Secretary DeVos, President Trump, Scott Walker – they’re all politicians who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Photo stunts and millions of dollars of slick ads won’t change that fact.”
EXCERPTS FROM KIM KOHLHAAS, PRESIDENT OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS – WISCONSIN:
“Betsy DeVos is the worst education secretary of our lifetime. Unfortunately, Scott Walker is also the worst education governor of our lifetime.
“This is more than a funding issue, this is a values issues.”
“You cannot claim to be the ‘education governor’ when 40 other states are investing in public educational a stronger pace than Wisconsin. You cannot claim to be ‘education governor’ when classroom sizes have gone up, programs have been cut and positions cannot be filed.”
