Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to Deliver School Choice Policy Address at D.C. Summit

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker will deliver a keynote address on school choice to the second annual National Policy Summit of the American Federation for Children, the organization announced today. The address will take place in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 9, 2011.

Governor Walker, who recently proposed a historic expansion of Milwaukee's highly successful school voucher program, is expected to discuss prospects for expanding parental choice in Wisconsin and across the country. The Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which began 20 years ago, is the longest-running modern school choice program in the country.

The governor's address at the School Choice Now: Empowering America's Children policy summit will follow a series of afternoon panel discussions and a luncheon address by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett. More than 300 school choice advocates from across the country will attend the summit, which will take place at the Washington Marriott (1221 22nd St NW) in Washington, D.C. (Register: www.FederationForChildren.org/Summit)

"Governor Walker is one of the country's most visible leaders in the fight to provide children with enhanced educational options, and we're excited to welcome him to our signature annual event," said Betsy DeVos, chairman of the American Federation for Children. "Governor Walker is leading the battle to bring hope for a brighter future to thousands of struggling Wisconsin children. The Governor shares our belief that a child's zip code should not prevent them from getting a quality education, and we're thrilled to host him in a forum with so many other reform-minded leaders."

Before becoming Wisconsin's 45th governor in January, Governor Walker served as the Milwaukee County Executive and prior to that, as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.  In both of his previous elected offices, Walker distinguished himself as an outspoken advocate for school choice, including both private school choice and public charter schools.

In just its second year, the AFC National Policy Summit is already becoming a renowned destination for conversations with some of the country's leading school choice leaders from both political parties. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and CNN analyst and author Roland Martin were featured guests at the 2010 event, and, in addition to Governors Walker and Corbett, this year's event will include former D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee.

AFC is a national, non-partisan 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to the advancement of school choice—particularly for disadvantaged families—through school vouchers, tax credit scholarships, and public charter schools.

For more information about the summit and to register online, please visit www.FederationForChildren.org.

SOURCE American Federation for Children