Madison, WI – Disability Rights Wisconsin appreciates that Governor Evers’ proposal for recently announced state surplus revenues would provide much-needed investments for individuals with disabilities and their families, particularly students and family caregivers. The proposed plan would create a family caregiver tax credit, increase reimbursement rates for special education and high-cost special education, support lead testing and remediation in schools, and expand school mental health funding for student services staff.
“Wisconsin has a rare opportunity with the current surplus to address some of the overwhelming educational and mental health needs for students with disabilities,” stated Lea Kitz, DRW’s Executive Director. “Our schools have struggled for years with state underfunding for students with disabilities, and we’ve never come close to recommended staffing levels for the professionals who support our students’ mental health in school.”
This use of Wisconsin’s budget surplus would put into action our state’s commitment to helping students who struggle, especially during the many recent changes and challenges with education that have had such a tremendous impact on children with disabilities. We look forward to productive conversations during this important opportunity for the Governor and the Legislature to work together and move forward.
