Wisconsin Governor Doyle Signs Bill to Make Kindergarten Mandatory

October 06, 2009 -- MIDDLETON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law AB 119, a bill requiring children to complete five−year−old kindergarten as a prerequisite to being admitted to first grade in a public school. The Governor signed the bill at West Middleton Elementary School in Cindy Littel’s kindergarten classroom.

“Today, I am pleased to sign SB 119 so that every kid has every opportunity possible to achieve their potential,” Governor Doyle said. “This legislation will help ensure that all kids in Wisconsin will get off to the right start in school. The early years of a child's life have a lasting impact and excellent early childhood education can mean better overall development, a smaller chance of being held back in school or dropping out, and lower special education costs.”

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Beginning in the 2011−12 school year, this bill requires a child to complete five−year−old kindergarten as a prerequisite to being admitted to first grade in a public school, including a charter school. The bill permits a school board and the operator of an independent charter school to establish policies, standards, conditions, and procedures for the parent or guardian of a child to seek an exemption from the requirement that the child complete kindergarten. The bill also requires a child who is enrolled in five−year−old kindergarten in a public or private school to regularly attend kindergarten during the school year.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Smith and Pope-Roberts and Senators Coggs and Lehman for their work on this bill.

Governor Doyle today also signed into law SB 195, SB 200, SB 257, AB 33, AB 86, AB 308, AB 316 and AB 319 at the State Capitol.

Senate Bill 195 adds one representative of the Wisconsin American GI Forum to represent various veterans organizations on the Council on Veterans Programs.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Sullivan and Hansen, and Representatives Hilgenberg and Colon for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 200 regulates the sale of products which mercury is added to during production, which will protect the public and the environment from this known toxin, as well as encourage manufacturers to find a safe alternative to mercury.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Jauch and Sullivan, and Representatives Danou and Black for their work on the bill.

Senate Bill 257 requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish the maximum amount of aid to be granted to needy persons in cases of fire, flood, natural disaster, energy crisis or impending homelessness, to better meet the needs of Wisconsin families.

Governor Doyle thanked Senator Jauch and Representative Grigsby for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 33 makes various technical changes to the public debt amortization funds of first class cities to align the timing of the Public Debt Commission’s annual report with the city’s comprehensive report, and creates more flexibility for the city to manage and reduce debt.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Fields and Stone, and Senators Plale and Taylor for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 86 allows nonresidents who are at least 65 years old the ability to hunt with a cross bow after obtaining a nonresident archer hunting license.

Governor Doyle thanked Representatives Hubler and Ziegelbauer, and Senators Holperin and Lehman for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 308 allows police vehicles to escort any vehicle or procession of vehicles through red lights without stopping when warning lights are activated, and provides a penalty for failure to yield the right-of-way.

Governor Doyle would like to thank Representatives Bernard Schaber and Van Roy, and Senators Hansen and Taylor for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 316 reorganizes language regarding emergency management responsibilities of state agencies, including succession of public offices, liability and licensure of emergency volunteers, disaster relief, ratification of the pest control compact, transportation and disposal of animal carcasses, the plant industry, computation of school days, variance for hospital requirements, public works mutual assistance and emergencies related to computer or telecommunication systems.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Jauch and Risser, and Representatives Schneider, Kerkman and Ballweg for their work on the bill.

Assembly Bill 319 establishes new statutory authority for Wisconsin Emergency Management to enter into contracts with no more than four regional structural collapse teams.

Governor Doyle thanked Senators Jauch and Risser, and Representatives Schneider, Kerkman and Ballweg for their work on the bill.

Source: Wisconsin Governor