Genrich Says GOP Omnibus Education Motion Violates State's Tradition Print
Education - Articles for Education
Written by GBP Staff   
Wednesday, 20 May 2015 17:41

eric-genrichMADISON - Early Wednesday morning, the Republican dominated Joint Finance (JFC) passed the Omnibus Education Package on a straight party 12-4 vote. While the plan increases K-12 funding, it also expands School Choice in Wisconsin and approves Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Reform Plan which allows the Milwaukee County Executive to appoint a commissioner to run a type of recovery program for failing schools.

Rep. Eric Genrich (D - Green Bay) said today on the Joint Finance Committee’s DPI Omnibus Motion:

“Last night, in its hasty and irresponsible passage of an omnibus motion funding the Department of Public Instruction, the Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee disavowed the constitutional commitment that every member of the state legislature has sworn an oath to uphold. This principle, that every child in Wisconsin has a ‘fundamental right to an equal opportunity for a sound basic education,’ is at the core of our state’s best traditions and promises.

“Those who seek to undermine this moral and legal obligation are vandalizing our history and undermining our future. Their actions run counter to the wishes of the people of Wisconsin, which have been expressed so eloquently throughout the budget process.

“In spite of the actions of the Joint Committee on Finance, I ask all interested citizens to continue in their efforts to defend the rights and interests of all Wisconsin’s kids. This fight is not over, and it won’t be until it has been won for the children of this state.”