Republicans Promote Math & Science By Cutting Education Funding

Only the G.O.P could spin this kind of logic into plausibility.

President Bush:"Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000 math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America's children succeed in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world. (Applause.)"

Statement of Wisconsin Governor Doyle Regarding Republican Education Cuts

Largest Cut to Education in Decades Detailed for Each School District

Governor Jim Doyle announced that the Republican budget proposal unveiled this afternoon would cut Wisconsin’s schools by over $400 million – the largest cut to education in decades. Governor Doyle made the following statement:

"The Republican budget proposal announced today would cut Wisconsin’s schools by over $400 million – the largest education cut in decades. Their proposal would force school districts to choose between a massive property tax increase or laying off thousands of teachers, raising class sizes, and cutting programs from music to athletics. If schools had to cut starting in September, they would have to pay millions of dollars in unemployment compensation to lay off teachers that have already been hired – taking even more money out of the classroom.


"Not only will the Republican budget cause the largest education cut in decades, but it also sets taxpayers up for a huge property tax increase. Republicans know there is no way schools can handle this kind of cut, and the only option will be a massive increase in property taxes.

"We are now seeing the results of making education the last priority on their agenda. By the time they got around to education, there was no money left to support our schools."

"Quite simply, their budget is a cruel hoax on schools and property taxpayers. I will use every power at my disposal to make sure that we get a budget that is fair to both property taxpayers and our schools."

Attached is a spreadsheet detailing the amount every school district in Wisconsin will be cut by compared to current law. These numbers do not include additional cuts proposed by Republicans to categorical education programs, such as school transportation, special education funding, and the SAGE small class size initiative.

Here are a few examples of how these cuts would affect individual districts (excludes categorical program funding):
MILWAUKEE -- $40 million
MADISON -- $10 million
KENOSHA -- $8.5 million
RACINE -- $8.5 million
GREEN BAY AREA -- $8.2 million
APPLETON AREA -- $5.9 million
WAUKESHA -- $5.3 million
EAU CLAIRE AREA -- $4.4 million
JANESVILLE -- $4.3 million
OSHKOSH AREA -- $4.2 million
SHEBOYGAN AREA -- $4.1 million
WAUSAU -- $3.5 million
WEST ALLIS -- $3.4 million
STEVENS POINT AREA -- $3.1 million
LACROSSE -- $3 million
STONE PINE HOME SCHOOL - $ One Brazillion