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Toepel, M. G.; Kuehn, Hazel L. (ed.) / The Wisconsin Blue Book
(1954)
Parties and elections: state party platforms, pp. [595]-[616]
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Page 598
WISCONSIN BLUE BOOK communism. In so doing, we are determined to preserve the basic liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. We urge vigorous support for the President's fight for the St. Lawrence Seaway which would contribute so greatly to prosperity of the Midwest and all of America. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE GOVERNMENT Under the American federal system certain major responsibilities devolve upon state governments. In Wisconsin 7 successive Repub- lican administrations have failed to perform their main duty to the people of the state. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin pledges an administration that will face squarely up to these major gov- ernmental responsibilities. 1. Education The Democratic Party of Wisconsin declares that only through a well-informed and literate citizenry can democracy survive and prosper. We will continue the fight for positive action to improve the efficiency of our schools. The Republican Party has failed to meet its responsibility for adequate elementary and secondary education. Present state educa- tional assistance to local communities is woefully inadequate. The consequences are deplorable delapidation of school buildings, re- duction of teaching efficiency and an unfair burdening of local property taxpayers. The Democratic Party proposes a comprehensive program of increased state aids to elementary and secondary schools. The Democratic Party is well aware of the tremendous educational burden placed upon the citizens of Wisconsin by the increase in our child population. Because, within the next 5 years, schools of Wis- consin must provide education for 50 percent more children than they now have, the Democratic Party urges an immediate program of state aids to local school districts for the construction of school buildings. The Republican Party has failed to meet its responsibility for providing full opportunities in higher education. It failed when the Republican majority in the legislature defeated a Democratic bill to provide for a lakeshore college. We propose to achieve further equality of educational opportunity in Wisconsin as follows: a. By providing for a lakeshore college to make a genuine college education financially possible for the thousands of Wisconsin's young people in our great lakeshore area. b. By providing assistance to students who do not have enough money to attend institutions of higher learning. c. By expanding the activities of the State Radio Council to include establishment and operation of a television network. The Democratic Party will insist upon full academic freedom for the teachers and students of Wisconsin in their quest for truth. 598
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