MADISON...State Representative Brett Davis issued the following statement in response to Governor Doyle’s announcement that Wisconsin has been denied first round funding for the federal Race to the Top program:

“Not surprisingly, Wisconsin did not receive any federal funds for the Race to the Top program.  When reforms were needed to become eligible, Democrats passed watered-down bills with no teeth.  In particular, SB 372 removed the prohibition from using test scores in teacher evaluations, but WEAC added provisions that will not allow the data to be used to discipline or fire a teacher.

Democrats were far more concerned with bowing to WEAC than passing much-needed reforms that would help the children of Wisconsin.  Today, we found out that those actions have consequences.  WEAC spent more money than any other organization in Wisconsin lobbying legislators and Governor Doyle in 2009.  The Race to the Top results should surprise nobody.

As Education Secretary Arne Duncan confirmed, the Milwaukee Public Schools Mayoral takeover bill had no impact on Race to the Top Funds.  Passing bills that flew in the face of the Race to the Top intentions is what cost the children of Wisconsin additional opportunities.”