I recently released the following after the Trump Administration announced plans to abolish the Department of Education.

With Wisconsin schools caught in a political battle in Washington, I understand there are legitimate concerns due to the lack of clear information about what changes may be coming. I, too, am eager to learn more information.

As I have said on multiple occasions, as long as Wisconsin continues to receive the federal funding that our families and students are owed, I am confident in our ability to navigate whatever changes Washington sends our way. Jill Underly’s blatant attempt to turn this serious situation into a political lightning rod is unhelpful and unprofessional, and her recent misrepresentations about my positions are patently false. In fact, a question regarding potential changes at the Department of Education was asked and answered by me at the WisPolitics forum on February 10. Underly would know that, except she skipped the forum.

I am opposed to any reduction in the amount of federal dollars supporting K-12 education in Wisconsin – full stop. And I am willing to have an honest conversation about my positions and Jill Underly’s at a future forum. For example, I believe all voters would love to hear why she lowered academic standards for Wisconsin students. Unfortunately, Underly has declined to participate in two upcoming forums in Milwaukee, and both have now been converted to a singular opportunity for me to share my vision and views on the record.

Irrespective of any decision made by politicians in Washington, the fact remains that Jill Underly is incapable of leading Wisconsin’s students and families; her numerous failures over the last four years and her unwillingness to be honest with Wisconsin voters on these important issues speak for themselves.