Republican lawmakers target urban schools for more aid

MILWAUKEE — Republican state lawmakers say they want to increase funding for Wisconsin's urban schools.

The recommendations were included in a state Assembly task force report released on Wednesday. Priorities include expanding summer school and early childhood programs and improving access to mental health care for students.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos convened the task force and says its report is a "step forward."

Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Darienne Driver calls the report "encouraging" and evidence that urban educators have been heard.

But Democratic state Rep. Sondy Pope says the task force was a waste of time and taxpayer money because it "doesn't begin to scratch the surface of the issues facing our urban schools."