03.03.06 Mayor Barrett on state's passage of the School Choice compromise

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2006

Contact:	Eileen Force, Communications Director
	Office of Mayor Tom Barrett
	414-286-8504 (phone) 414-286-3191 (fax) eforce@milwaukee.gov

Mayor Tom Barrett today released the following statement on the passage of the School Choice compromise in the State Legislature:

"The passage of the Milwaukee School Choice compromise is good news for families and students who have been anxious about their plans for the upcoming 2006-07 school year.

The issue for me has never been about increasing Milwaukee Choice enrollment. My concern has always been and, will continue to be, the inequity of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program [MPCP] financing.

It's unfortunate that as the compromise was crafted, Milwaukee working families were not offered a seat at the table. We raised our voices and, although no one said we were wrong, Milwaukee property tax payers will continue to pay more for MPCP than is fair and equitable.

A number of organizations and individuals have pledged to me their support to correct the funding flaws in next state budget. Now they must follow through. They cannot turn their backs, once again, on Milwaukee working families.

I thank the Milwaukee Common Council and members of the Wisconsin State Legislature who joined the fight on behalf of Milwaukee tax payers.

I look forward to the task ahead. We must lift the MPCP property tax burden."

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