Press Releases
Milwaukee – With students across Wisconsin just returning to classrooms for a new school year, Tom Barrett appeared at the headquarters of the Department of Public Instruction today to announce two key reforms he will fight for as governor to repair our state's broken school financing system.
"The way Wisconsin currently funds its public schools is not working for school districts, taxpayers, teachers, parents, and most importantly, our students," Tom said. "Wisconsin's long tradition of excellent public education is at risk, and without real financing reform, many of our children and grandchildren will be disadvantaged and our state's economic competitiveness will be threatened."
"The way Wisconsin currently funds its public schools is not working for school districts, taxpayers, teachers, parents, and most importantly, our students," Tom said. "Wisconsin's long tradition of excellent public education is at risk, and without real financing reform, many of our children and grandchildren will be disadvantaged and our state's economic competitiveness will be threatened."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Praises Tom Barrett's Plan to Eliminate Unnecessary Government Offices
09/02/2010
MILWAUKEE - Tom Barrett had it right earlier this year when the Democratic candidate for governor proposed eliminating the offices of secretary of state and state treasurer. We'll see those two offices and raise Barrett one more: lieutenant governor.
Tom Barrett Statement on Lack of Accountability at Scott Walker's County Mental Health Complex
09/01/2010
"Scott Walker has failed to hold people accountable for the sexual assault scandal at his Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex, as he promised he would. Instead of firing his hand-picked administrator as so many have demanded, Walker has decided to give John Chianelli a pass by simply transferring him to a cushy new taxpayer-supported job that pays $91,000 per year. That's not accountability -- that's letting people get away with neglect, incompetence and mismanagement and still collect a hefty pay check at taxpayer expense."
"I am very disappointed that Wisconsin was not granted a waiver, and as a result our servicemen and women could be denied their right to vote. I urge state election officials to appeal this decision immediately, and I call on state and federal leaders to find a solution that guarantees those who defend our democracy have a right to participate in it."
"The future of this essential medical science very much hangs in the balance. Wisconsin is a global leader in stem cell research that can cure diseases and save lives. Yet if extremists like Scott Walker get their way, the rollback on stem cell research will continue, and the hope of a cure for those suffering from diabetes, Parkinson's and other diseases will be snuffed out for purely ideological reasons. As governor I will fight for essential stem cell research, and I will make sure scientists and researchers – not politicians – drive our research and technology agenda. I challenge Scott Walker and his radical allies to stop standing in its way of this important work."
"I have seen Wisconsin's enormous potential to draw visitors from all over the world. Tourism has been a traditionally strong industry in our state, and I believe that we need to recommit to its ongoing success," said Barrett. "As governor, I will revitalize Wisconsin's tourism industry, leading to job creation and increased income for small business owners across the state."
"Facts don't seem to bother Scott Walker as he continues to deliberately deceive the people of Wisconsin about high speed rail dollars. He knows full well that this money cannot be used for any other purpose, yet he still misleads and misinforms. Walker needs to just tell Wisconsin he would rather see these resources sent to Oregon, Florida or Ohio instead of here. That would at least be honest. Unfortunately, he keeps on saying anything to get elected, further proving he's a guy we can't trust."
"Tom Barrett has a record on public safety second to none, and throughout his years of service he has been a consistent advocate for Wisconsin's firefighters and emergency response professionals, our families, and most importantly the communities we serve," said PFFW President Mike Woodzicka. "As governor, Tom will invest the resources needed to support our state's firefighters and keep Wisconsin's communities safe."
"Scott Walker has been part of the problem, not the solution, to the region's sewer issues. Whether delaying the addition of 315 million gallons of sewer capacity with needless studies, or failing to attend even one commission meeting despite the County owning 39 miles of sewer pipes, it's clear the only thing Scott Walker cares about with the sewer system is how it can help his political career. Tom will continue to work with regional partners to make improvements, as he has since becoming Mayor. Walker is welcome to join those efforts at anytime."
--Statement of Barrett for Wisconsin Communications Director Phil Walzak
"For Scott Walker to highlight the very fraud he failed to correct as an example of how he will fight fraud is the height of hypocrisy," said Tom. "Walker's reckless mismanagement is costing taxpayers across Wisconsin millions of dollars, and his shameless political doubletalk shows he is a guy we just can't trust."
