"We're going to be doing this until he listens:" Protesting proposed cuts, group rallies near Walker's home
WAUWATOSA (WITI) -- On President's Day, a group of more than 100 put their focus on a man who wants the job. They gathered for a march to Governor Scott Walker's home in Wauwatosa.
Those demonstrating on Monday, February 16th say they're concerned about massive cuts proposed in Walker's two-year budget.
The group gathered early Monday evening, and there was talk they'd march straight to Walker's home.
The rally was organized on Facebook. More than 3,500 were invited to attend. It all stems from $300 million in proposed cuts to the UW System.
Walker says the cuts will give leaders more independence and efficiency.
The vice chancellor of UW-Milwaukee worries UWM will see $20 million fewer dollars coming to the university. For public schools, $127 million in cuts is a possibility.
Many students say they're worried their education will suffer as a result. There's also a belief that Walker is making Milwaukee Public Schools a target, taking opportunities away from kids in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
"$127 million for K-12. I believe it`s $12 million alone for Milwaukee Public Schools. It`s a district we know is impoverished and you`re going to take more?" Ingrid Walker-Henry, co-chair of the Schools and Communities United Coalition said.
Cries from an 11-year-old and MPS students of all ages echoed from Juneau Playfield in Milwaukee.
"If the community is not educated, the community will suffer," Rafael Diaz, a high school sophomore said.
Andrew Martin is an MPS teacher. He was armed Monday with what has quickly become the symbol of this movement.
"Put a green light bulb in your front light to support education," Martin said.
The crowd picked up green glow sticks as they marched four blocks to Governor Walker's Wauwatosa home.
"We have to be somewhere. We have to have a way to have our voice heard," Walker-Henry said.
FOX6 News reached out to Governor Walker's office for comment. A representative defended the proposed cuts, saying taxpayers will collectively see $150 million in annual savings. They say the cuts to the UW System represent a small amount compared to the system's $6 billion operating budget.
A representative from Governor Walker's office issued this statement:
"The budget protects the state's commitment to K-12 schools by increasing equalization aids and other categorical aid programs, while at the same time reducing property taxes for the typical homeowner. Our proposal gives the University of Wisconsin the tools to find savings through an authority while protecting Wisconsin's hard-working families and students by freezing tuition for another two years."
Healthcare is also an issue -- with demonstrators asking Governor Walker to accept federal dollars for Medicaid and expand Wisconsin's BadgerCare coverage.
"We`re going to be doing this until he listens," Diaz said.
Milwaukee police, Wauwatosa police and Wisconsin State Patrol officials were on hand during the demonstration.
Governor Walker responded to the protest on "The Kelly File" with Megyn Kelly on FOX News Tuesday night:
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