Walker stops at UW-L to sign bills democrats strongly criticize

Walker believes bills to help students,
democrats say they do little

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker toured the state Monday, signing bills he says will help students with college affordability.

One of those stops was at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for a photo opp. signing, where the only people present for the event that was open to the public, were a couple media members.

Walker says the bills will be invaluable, like the one signed to help students out in financial emergencies.

“We provided additional assistance for what are called emergency grants, to help students stay enrolled, in case of financial hardship,” Walker said Monday.

He failed to point out, those funds would be no more than $500 per year.  

Democrats, including La Crosse Sen. Jennifer Schilling, have criticized the package as merely campaign talking points, and say it does little to address student debt. 

Shilling has been very vocal about the underwhelming impact the package of bills will have on college debt.  

She called the measures “anemic” and “pitiful.”  

Another bill signed by Walker would make the Dept. of Workforce Development coordinate internships for college students. Something Walker says is invaluable.

“The ability to have internships, having the opportunity to get into the workforce, while in school, helps students give a chance, an opportunity to show would-be employers what they learn and what they’re capable of,” Walker said.

Other bills are meant to increase grants for technical college students and require colleges to provide students annual information about their debt levels.