Former Gov. Thompson wants to 'break up' MPS, says fake GOP electors shouldn't be charged

 

MILWAUKEE Wis. (CBS 58) -- Former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who spawned education reforms like the state's school choice program, called on lawmakers to dissolve Milwaukee Public Schools amid fallout over the district's finances.

Thompson, the longest-serving Republican governor in state history, called on lawmakers and Milwaukee leaders to create a Blue Ribbon Commission to study MPS and put forth solutions before the upcoming school year.

"What we're doing is that we are failing. We are failing the students that go to Milwaukee Public Schools," Thompson said during a Milwaukee Press Club luncheon. "We've been failing those students for 30-40 years. Now is the time for change."

Thompson said the commission should produce results within 90 days because of "an emergency" at MPS with the district failing to report their finances to the state, putting all Wisconsin schools at risk of losing tens of millions of dollars, and recently losing federal funding for the district's Head Start Program.

"These young men and women who are coming out of [MPS] need hope instead of a failing school district," Thompson said. "That's why it needs to be split up or taken over."

Legislative efforts to break up or have Milwaukee leaders take over MPS have failed in the past.

The Republican suggested this time could be different, noting Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley were able to find compromise with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to funnel more aid to local governments and pass a sweeping stadium bill to upgrade American Family Field.

Fake Electors Charged

After Wisconsin became the latest state to file charges against fake electors involved in the alleged plot to keep former President Donald Trump in power, Thompson said he doesn't believe anyone involved should be charged.

"Why would I want anyone to be charged?" Thompson said. "If they break the law, fine. But I haven't seen anyone break the law yet?"

CBS 58 followed up by asking whether he would have signed paperwork 10 Wisconsin GOP electors did in 2020 falsely claiming that Trump won Wisconsin, Thompson replied "No."

"I believe in elections," Thompson said. "I live and die by elections. I've won some and I've lost some. I like winning better."