Press Releases

Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy, chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance, and Wisconsin Congressman Glenn Grothman today called on the Department of Education to restore education funding for students in Rural Wisconsin.

The Department of Education recently announced a procedural change regarding applications for the Gaining Early and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). This change indicated that $3.5 million in GEAR UP grant money would be taken from Wisconsin’s program and given to other states.

“Students in Wisconsin’s rural communities deserve the resources necessary to thrive in the 21st century economy,” said Congressman Duffy. “I have been in contact with the Department of Education regarding this policy change, and I urge Secretary DeVos to restore GEAR UP funding to our rural communities.”

“Earlier this week, my office contacted the Department of Education regarding Wisconsin DPI’s application for GEAR UP funding, requesting answers for why Wisconsin’s application was declined,” said Congressman Grothman. “I am monitoring this situation very closely and am still awaiting further response and explanation from Education. As we learn more, I will continue to work with our colleagues here in Congress and my friends in Madison to ensure Wisconsin students and schools do not unfairly lose out on this important funding.”

Background:

·         School districts in Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District affected by the cuts include: Ashland, Bayfield, DC Everest, Washburn, and Wausau.