Educators Call on Wisconsin's Budget Committee to Keep Public Education a Priority

Friday, April 7th, 2023 -- 9:00 AM

(By Evan Casey, Wisconsin Public Radio) Dozens of educators called on Wisconsin's powerful budget committee Wednesday to ensure funding for public education remains a top priority as the GOP-controlled state Legislature works on writing its own version of Gov. Tony Evers' budget proposal.

According to Evan Casey with Wisconsin Public Radio, one by one, attendees at the Joint Finance Committee's first public listening session took to the microphone at the Waukesha County Expo Center to voice their concerns.

Many called on the committee to protect funding for education in the 2023-25 biennial budget. Others at the listening session discussed the need to update the state's shared revenue system.

Evers proposed dedicating 20 percent of the state's sales tax revenue to municipalities and while Republicans haven't endorsed a specific number, they've said there's a need to boost local government funding.

As for education, Evers' budget proposal sets aside $2.6 billion in funding for schools. It also calls for a $270 million investment in student mental health through a combination of state and federal funding.

The governor is asking over $1 billion on special education, and the budget proposal would raise the amount districts can collect from local taxpayers by $350 per pupil in the first year of the budget and $650 per pupil in the second year.

When Evers unveiled his budget proposal in February, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said it was "absolutely devoid of reality." It remains to be seen how much of his proposal will make its way into the Legislature's version.

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