So far during his tenure, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has overseen the implementation a new literacy program called “Read to Lead” and the state’s school choice program also also expanded in Milwaukee and Racine. But he doesn’t seem satisfied with those school policy changes on his watch. In a relatively short, official victory press release on June 5, Walker highlighted his desire to “continue to address education reform.”
Reporters mostly don’t like to focus too much on an official press release from a politician. But the statement is only five paragraphs, and the only other specific policy issues highlighted were economic growth and job creation, which are essentially two aspects of “the economy” as a political issue. Remember also that because of what it has had to go through, Walker’s campaign operation became extremely refined over time. Its choice to highlight “education reform” the night Walker survived the recall vote almost surely wasn’t a slapdash decision.
What does that portend for the state’s 2013 legislative session? When it comes to education policy, will Walker act like an emboldened governor? I’ll have a print story next week that will explore what could at least be possibilities. But I’m sure readers’ imaginations can provide their own hypothetical proposals, fair or foul, depending on one’s perspective.