MADISON – Governor Scott Walker released his Weekly Radio Address today titled “Wisconsin’s K-12 Schools Receive Historic $639 Million Increase.”
Hi, Scott Walker here.
Thanks to the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee for supporting the education portion of my state budget. Once signed, this budget will include more actual dollars for K-12 education than ever before in our state’s history. The $639 million increase will support all of Wisconsin’s K-12 schools.
This historic investment in Wisconsin’s students and future leaders is made possible by our common-sense reforms and wise fiscal management, which has created a positive budget outlook – known as the Reform Dividend.
Every child deserves access to a great education that provides them with the skills and knowledge that they need to be successful.
Across the state, our students are doing well. The graduation rate among Wisconsin students is among the highest in the country. Our students also have some of the best ACT scores in America for states where every child is expected to take the test. And more than 90 percent of the school districts in the state meet or exceed expectations according to the report cards.
But we aren’t done yet. We know that ensuring our students’ success – both in and outside the classroom – is critical to the state’s continued economic success.
Wisconsin is known for its highly-skilled, dependable workforce – traits that are first learned in our K-12 schools.
We know that if Wisconsin is to continue attracting big companies – like Foxconn, Generac, and Haribo – we must continue building our skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
That’s why the state budget increases investments in programs that support career exploration, such as Early College Credit Programs, Career and Technical Education grants, Fabrication Laboratories, and other programs that help ensure every student succeeds.
Providing quality K-12 education that prepares students for college, career, and life is my top priority.
Together, we are working and winning for Wisconsin students.
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