MADISON, WI – Today, the legislature met in session to consider a package of bills ranging from mandating cursive in schools to a blanket ban on communication devices in classrooms. Many of these bills have already been introduced in other states – very few of them have public support from educators, educator associations, or the Department of Public Instruction (“DPI”).
Rep. Darrin Madison voted against all 6 bills and spoke against AB 2, emphasizing the need to maintain local control over the use of communication devices in classrooms.
Representative Madison (D-10) issued the following statement:
“These bills are another attempt by Legislative Republicans to distract from the real needs of our public school system. Legislative Republicans have been divesting from public education for over a decade while pushing a false narrative about our public schools and blaming teachers, parents, and communities. Their ultimate goal is clear – to continue to attack and privatize our public school system.
Assembly Bill 2 is a great example – instead of providing support to school districts to craft successful cell phone policies at the local level, most Legislative Republicans would rather pass a statewide ban that strips local control from school boards. I want to highlight that the vote against AB 2 was bipartisan.
Wisconsin’s public school system is the heartbeat of Wisconsin’s present and future. The real solution is simple: if we want to ensure Wisconsin’s children receive a world-class education that prepares them for the future and ensures their safety and long-term mental health, then we need to make real investments in K-12 education. For these our children, we will benefit from or pay for what they become.”
