MADISON, WI – In response to today’s announcement from the U.S. Department of Education that it will begin dismantling itself and cutting off nearly $1 billion in federal funding for Wisconsin schools, State Superintendent Jill Underly called on Private School Lobbyist Brittany Kinser to explain why she supports this reckless agenda—and what, if anything, does she plan to do to make up for these devastating cuts to Wisconsin classrooms.
“Wisconsin schools are already severely underfunded. That’s why I’ve been fighting alongside Governor Evers for a $3.15 billion increase in this year’s state budget—to make up for chronic shortfalls that have left our schools struggling to provide students with the education they deserve,” said Underly. “Now, the federal government is threatening to pull another $1 billion—cuts that would devastate Wisconsin’s classrooms, hurting your kids, your teachers, and your schools.”
“Let’s be clear: this is a direct attack on Wisconsin’s students and families. We’re talking about losing essential funding for special education, school lunches, teacher training, and programs that help ensure every child has a chance to succeed. And Lobbyist Brittany Kinser is standing with and being funded by the very people pushing this disaster.”
This is nothing new for Brittany Kinser. As a lobbyist, she has spent years working against Wisconsin’s public schools:
- She pushed for policies that drained taxpayer money from public schools and funneled it into private schools—raising property taxes to do it.
- She supported slashing teacher licensing requirements, opening the door for unqualified individuals in Wisconsin classrooms.
- She worked for charter school networks accused of academic fraud and abusive discipline policies against students.
“Wisconsin families deserve better than a lobbyist who’s spent years trying to dismantle our public schools,” Underly continued. “Instead of fighting for students, Kinser is standing with the far-right politicians who are trying to rip resources away from our schools. She needs to explain how she plans to replace this funding—because our students, parents, teachers, and schools can’t afford to bear the consequences of her reckless agenda.
Wisconsin students deserve fully funded, well-resourced schools—not political games that put their education at risk. Jill Underly will continue fighting for every student, every teacher, and every school in our state. Lobbyist Brittany Kinser? She’s fighting for the politicians, donors, and lobbyists who want to dismantle public education.
