Vice President Talks School Choice at the Capitol
Wednesday, January 29th, 2020 -- 7:30 AM
(WRN) -Vice President Mike Pence headlined a rally for school choice programs inside the State Capitol on Tuesday.Vice President Mike Pence and other members of the Trump administration made a stop in Madison on Tuesday in celebration of the anniversary of the school choice voucher program. Pence says it was a transformational moment for education in the country.
"Thirty years ago, Governor Tommy Thompson made history when he created the first school choice program in America. Governor Scott Walker built on that progress when he expanded the program statewide."
Pence says that Republican leadership in the 90s lead to the start of school choice across the rest of the country.
"Thanks to their leadership and the support of the people of Wisconsin, more than 40 thousand students are able to attend the school of their choice. Governor Tommy Thompson, thank you again for your extraordinary vision and leadership."
Pence says the voucher program is a guideline for a nationwide rollout of similar programs.
"As we speak, the President and I are now working with the Secretary of Education and many of the great champions here to create a new a new program to provide more than five billion dollars in school choice programs across America."
Pence says the groundwork that was laid in the Badger State will lead to similar programs across the country.
"You know, Education Freedom Scholarships, I believe, would have a transformational impact on working families all across this country. They build on the progress you've made right here in Wisconsin."
Governor Tony Evers, however, is looking to put some checks on the voucher program, including more stringent standards for school and teacher licensing, as well as a cap on vouchers that go to private schools. Republicans couldn't shake protesters, though, who crowded into the Rotunda to jeer US education secretary Betsy Devos.
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