Senator Johnson tried to pull a fast one on students with disabilities this week. In classic Washington fashion, Johnson buried a shameful amendment in an unrelated bill that would allow private schools that receive taxpayer money to discriminate against students with disabilities. If passed, it would prevent the Justice Department from investigating private schools that receive vouchers, but do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Senator Johnson knew the amendment was bad news for students with disabilities, that’s why he hid it from the public. He hoped no one would notice except his wealthy donors who have pushed for more voucher programs. Truth is, Senator Johnson is not interested in what is best for Wisconsin’s students; he’s interested in what is best for his donors.
Blunder:
SA 4775. Mr. JOHNSON submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to amendment SA 4685… “None of the funds made available under this Act shall be used to take any action to apply or enforce title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.12131 et seq.) with respect to any private school on the basis that the school is a public entity under that title II because the school receives funds or other support through assistance provided by a State or local agency to, or on behalf of, any student whose parent chooses to place the student in the private school.
