Public education has been, and will continue to be, a backbone for communities across our state, as it is a vital investment for the future of our state.  I am proud of our state’s long history of supporting education at all levels – from early childhood programs and our K-12 system, through our colleges and universities. At all levels, a strong education system is essential to creating a highly-trained workforce and preparing our youth with the tools they need to succeed.

In my first term in office last session, I had to make some of the toughest decisions ever facing our state, tackle a $6.6 billion deficit with a record $3.2 billion cut in state spending.  Yet, we took a measured approach to minimizing the impact on key investments, and I am proud that we managed to limit cuts to public education.  I have also worked to make common-sense reforms to our schools – including Milwaukee Public Schools – in order to increase efficiency and accountability within the system.

That being said, I have heard loud and clear from parents, teachers, and administrators across the 8th Senate District that the choices made by Senator Darling - will have a devastating impact on our schools and children. Under Darling's leadership, our state will gut aid to public schools by nearly $1.6 billion, while giving over $2 billion in tax breaks and loopholes to big corporations and special interests throughout the next decade.  That’s $1.6 billion less for our children, who will enter our workforce less prepared to succeed as a direct result of Senator’s Darlings choices this session.  Her budget also slashes UW System funding by $250 million and cuts assistance to our technical colleges by roughly 30 percent.

I have devoted much of my adult life to education - both as a nurse educator and former board member of Advocates for Education of Whitefish Bay.  I recognize that our investment in quality education is absolutely critical for our current and future generations to come, and I pledge to continue fighting for this key priority within our communities as your next State Senator.