Stalemate in Wisconsin Legislature Over School Funding and Tax Relief
The Wisconsin state Assembly concluded its session on Friday, leaving unresolved issues surrounding public school funding and tax relief measures. Despite ongoing discussions, no consensus was reached between the Republican-led legislature and Governor Tony Evers over how to allocate the state’s $2.5 billion surplus.
Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos had suggested a $200 million increase in special education reimbursements alongside a proposed tax rebate of $1,000 for married couples and $500 for single filers. However, Governor Evers dismissed these rebate checks as a mere political maneuver, stating, “Why don’t we do something that’s more permanent, and that is work on making sure our schools get enough money so that they don’t have to raise the property tax or go to referendum.”
In light of the impasse, superintendents from major school districts, including Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, have urged the legislature to prioritize bipartisan cooperation to secure necessary funding. They highlighted the challenges posed by inflation-related costs impacting school operations and basic services.
Rural school leaders in Sauk County echoed these concerns, emphasizing the unsustainability of continually asking voters for referendum approvals. Wisconsin’s K–12 public schools have notably lacked cost of living adjustments for 17 years, coupled with an unexpected shortfall in disability funding this school year.
Vicki Bayer, superintendent of the Green Bay Area Public School District, voiced her disappointment over the legislative inaction, noting the financial strain on public schools and the growing shift of funds toward private school vouchers. “It’s just not sustainable to have two educational systems that are funded by taxpayers,” Bayer remarked.
A significant point of contention remains Governor Evers’ so-called 400-year veto, which permits annual increases in per-pupil spending by $325 for the next four centuries. In response, the Assembly has initiated a move to amend the state constitution to limit gubernatorial vetoes that can raise taxes or fees, a measure to be decided by voters in November.
State Rep. Angelina Cruz of Racine, who also leads the Racine Unified School District’s teacher’s union, emphasized the community’s interest in addressing school finance-related property tax hikes. “The promise (from Evers’ veto) wasn’t for money, it was a promise for a mechanism for schools to raise that money,” Cruz explained.
While Robin Vos did not comment directly to Wisconsin Public Radio, he indicated plans for the Assembly to reconvene in a special session to advance tax relief discussions. Vos expressed optimism, stating, “We all are saying the same thing that we want tax relief, Senate Republicans, Assembly Republicans and the governor.”
The Assembly’s adjournment has stalled several education-related bills. Proposals that failed to advance include school safety grants, tax deductions for teachers’ expenses, and amendments to public records law.
Additionally, the Assembly passed several bills regarding school district consolidation, but these await public hearings in the Senate. The proposals involve state aid for consolidation efforts, grants for feasibility studies, and whole grade sharing initiatives.
