Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden endorses Milwaukee, Racine school referendums in a highly unusual move

In a highly unusual move, the Democratic frontrunner for president is weighing in on two local ballot measures in Wisconsin: school district referendums that would cost taxpayers an additional $87 million in Milwaukee and more than $1 billion in Racine.

Former Vice President Joe Biden announced his support for the measures in a statement released to the Journal Sentinel on Tuesday, saying, "We need to invest in our public schools and our students."

“These ballot measures will give public school educators the tools they need to help our students succeed – and they’ll allow us to invest in 21st-century facilities and technology so our children can learn in quality schools," Biden said in the statement.

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“We also need to talk about equity and the real, structural barriers facing too many students – especially in communities of color," he said. "Too often, schools in Milwaukee and Racine receive far less in funding than those in surrounding communities – and that needs to change if we’re going to provide a better future for the next generation."

Two political strategists described the move as "very unusual" noting that presidential candidates don't typically lend their endorsements to local ballot initiatives.

The move, they said, is likely a reflection of the new political landscape created by the coronavirus pandemic in which local campaign rallies — where a candidate might tout a local issue — are replaced by internet posts and email announcements.

"I'd say it's pretty good politics for Biden ... and a good way to make a local connection — especially while traditional campaigning is not possible," said Republican strategist Mark Graul. "That said, it may be a liability for him with swing voters, especially in Racine come November.

"My bet is we're likely to see a lot of things that seem 'unusual' for a while," said Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki. "When you can't come in for a campaign rally or stop at a diner to shake hands, how do you demonstrate to voters that you understand what the challenges facing voters in a particular community are?"

In this case, he said, it's speaking out "on a highly localized issue like these education referenda."

The move by the Biden campaign appears intended to appeal to a potentially huge voting bloc: teachers. Biden has been endorsed by both the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, which between them have almost 5 million members. The NEA, the nation's largest union with about 3 million members, has endorsed the MPS referendum and has a part-time organizer helping with the Milwaukee referendum campaign.

While national leaders may be backing Biden, some MPS board members and local teachers union leaders are throwing their support behind rival Bernie Sanders.

The Sanders campaign issued a statement Monday announcing its Wisconsin state officers and elected officials who have endorsed the Vermont senator.

Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association President Amy Mizialko is among the state vice chairs, and MPS school board President Larry Miller and at-large member Bob Peterson are among local officials endorsing Sanders.

More than 40 school districts across Wisconsin are asking taxpayers to approve referendums totaling more than $1.6 billion in Tuesday's elections.

The Milwaukee Public Schools request, which was timed to take advantage of the high voter turnout expected for Democratic primary, is for operational funds intended to maintain and expand staff and programming.

Racine Unified's is more than $1 billion for the renovation and construction of facilities. Its voters had previously approved almost $11 million in operating referendums.

MPS is the state's largest district, serving primarily low-income children of color. It's one of just a few districts across the state that have not gone to referendum to seek additional funding for their schools.

Contact Annysa Johnson at anjohnson@jrn.com or 414-224-2061. Follow her on Twitter at @JSEdbeat. And join the Journal Sentinel conversation about education issues at www.facebook.com/groups/WisconsinEducation.