Contact: Representative Angelina Cruz
(608) 237-9162 | rep.cruz@legis.wisconsin.gov
Madison, WI — Yesterday, Rep. Cruz, a public school teacher turned lawmaker, called on the Wisconsin Legislature to end years of underfunding and meet its constitutional obligation to provide free, “as nearly uniform as practicable,” public schools.
“For 15 years, this Legislature has intentionally divested from public education while expanding privatization. Our communities have been forced to raise their own property taxes to make up the difference,” she said. “Racine Unified has gone to referendum three times—and still had to close schools, including the one where I taught. That is the cost of state neglect.”
On the Assembly floor, Rep. Cruz backed the substitute amendment to AB 648 restoring Wisconsin’s historic two-thirds funding commitment. “This amendment is responsible, equitable, and long overdue. It rebuilds the foundation our children deserve.”
She also opposed AB 420, which weakens teacher-training requirements: “A summer session is not a school year. A shortcut is not a solution. This bill does nothing to fix the conditions driving educators out of the profession.”
Rep. Cruz further condemned AB 649, calling it “a lifeboat while we keep drilling holes in the ship …This bill accelerates forced consolidation instead of addressing the chronic underfunding that created the crisis.”
At the press conference, Rep. Cruz emphasized that local communities have carried the burden long enough. “If there is money to close public schools, there is money to fund public schools. Don’t close our schools. Fund them.”
“Our kids have done their part. Our families have done their part. Our communities have done their part,” Rep. Cruz said. “It’s time for the state to do its part.”
