WI teachers union urges Dem governor to reject school choice agreement.

Pressure Mounts on Gov. Tony Evers to Veto School Funding Deal

Gov. Tony Evers (D-WI) is facing increasing pressure from the state’s teachers union to veto a school funding deal that has sparked controversy. The deal, negotiated with Republicans in the state legislature, aims to boost funding for public schools by $1 billion. However, the inclusion of a $282 million funding increase for the state’s school choice program and charter schools has drawn criticism from the Wisconsin Education Association.

Union Calls for Veto

The Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) is urging Governor Evers to veto the legislation, which recently passed both chambers of the legislature. Peggy Wirtz-Olsen, the president of WEAC, expressed her concerns, stating, “Wisconsin is sitting on a $7 billion budget surplus, and this so-called funding compromise only compromises our students. A child graduating from a public school this month has never seen a state funding increase that has kept up with inflation. Governor Evers, WEAC calls on you to veto these proposals when they come to your desk.”

Amy Mizialko, the president of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, also criticized Governor Evers, emphasizing the impact on public school students and families. “We can’t have the public education governor of this state at the table saying that he’s going to participate in the education hunger games of Wisconsin and sacrifice the vast majority of public school students and public school families and public school voters,” Mizialko said. “Public tax dollars don’t belong in private schools, period.”

Evers Stands Firm

Despite the opposition from the state’s unions, Governor Evers, who received support from the teachers unions during his election, has defended the legislation as a “win for Wisconsin.” In a tweet, he stated, “It’s my job as governor to always work to do the right thing when it matters most. We’re securing over $1 billion for our kids and our schools to improve reading and kids’ mental health while making historic investments in our communities. This is a win for Wisconsin.”

The Wisconsin Education Association Council and the governor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.