Representative Rob Swearingen of Rhinelander recently delivered the weekly Republican address and had some harsh criticism of vetoes done by Democratic Governor Tony Evers concerning education. Swearingen was a member of a task force on rural schools...
"...Our program that insured all kids access to the electronics they need for school such as tablets and Chromebooks. Today's classes often require access to curriculum on line. Not all kids have that. As of July, students at 352 districts across the state, including three charter schools benefited from the program. In vetoing the program, Gov. Evers took money off the table benefiting kids across the state..."
Swearingen was also critical of a funding veto for the Lakeland Star Academy charter school in Minocqua...
"..which was launched to help students of all developmental levels, and primarily those on the autism spectrum. This program helps them thrive, not only in school, but in life by offering them skills training so they can get a good job and live independently..."
Gov. Evers spokesperson Melissa Baldauf said she was surprised at Swearingen's remarks, saying the Republican school budget was $900 million less than Evers proposed for schools. She said a return to two-thirds funding, which was rejected by Republicans, would have helped rural and high-poverty districts. She also noted the Rhinelander Schools would have fared much better under Evers original $1.4 billion education budget.
Swearingen's comments were provided on You Tube by the state Republican Party and his office.
