Contact: Tom Evenson, (608) 266-2839
MADISON – Governor Scott Walker is visiting with students and staff at schools across Wisconsin today after signing a state budget into law that includes a total two-year investment of $11.5 billion for K-12 education and lowers property taxes on the typical home.
“Our budget proves you can provide more money for our schools and lower property taxes at the same time,” Governor Walker said. “Total state investment in K-12 education is at an all-time high in actual dollars. We also made major investments in things like broadband expansion and school mental health services which will help our students continue to succeed.”
Governor Walker is visiting with students and staff today at Chippewa Falls Middle School, Mosinee Middle School, and Sheboygan South High School.
Highlights from the 2017 – 19 State Budget include:
STUDENT SUCCESS
- Wisconsin’s total state investment in K-12 education is more than $11.5 billion over two years. This is an all-time high in actual dollars.
- K-12 schools receive a $636 million increase in state aid in this budget. This is the largest increase in a decade.
- This budget invests $35.5 million to expand broadband in our state. This investment will benefit rural schools and underserved areas in Wisconsin.
- New funding for school mental health programs is included in this budget. This includes $6.5 million for school social workers, mental health services, and trauma-informed care training for school staff.
- $6.1 million is invested into special education incentives. These incentives are geared toward schools that enroll special needs students into postsecondary education training or employment.
- The tuition freeze for University of Wisconsin System in-state undergraduates will continue for another two years. This will protect college students from tuition increases for a historic six years in a row. The freeze will have cumulatively saved the average student $6,311 over four years.
- Wisconsin Technical Colleges receive $5 million to help train students to fill high-demand fields.
- Wisconsin Grant program needs-based financial assistance for college students will rise by $15 million to the highest levels in state history.
