MADISON – Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) released the following statement relating to SB 597:
“I find it discouraging and disappointing that our self-proclaimed ‘Education Governor’, Tony Evers, would choose to veto this important bill that would help children succeed. SB 597, which would allow students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade in choice schools to advance a grade in a certain subject or an entire grade level based on their academic ability, just as their peers who attend public schools are already able to do under the law. Unfortunately, Governor Evers cares more about politics than creating parity between choice and public schools.
“The governor’s assertion that SB 597 ‘would likely increase property taxes’ is an excuse to hold back academically gifted students in choice schools. This veto has nothing to do with property taxes and everything to do with hurting parents who make a decision about their child’s education that he doesn’t agree with.
“I will continue to fight for the rights of parents to choose what school is best for their child and for them to receive the best education they possibly can – that is what’s most important, I wish the governor would do the same.”
