MADISON, Wis. — The passage of the 2025–27 Wisconsin biennial budget marks a landmark victory supporting our local communities, including the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and communities with a significant portion of state-owned land that is tax-exempt. These investments cement the state’s role as a champion for educational excellence and community support. Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R-Fox Crossing) and Representative Nate Gustafson (R-Fox Crossing) released the following statement.
“Republican lawmakers deserve strong praise for recognizing the urgent needs of UW–Oshkosh. The Polk Library redevelopment addresses decades-old challenges—aging mechanical systems, water damage, and outdated facilities—and transforms the space into a bright, sustainable, student-centered learning commons,” said Rep. Gustafson. “Thanks to Legislative Republicans, UW–Oshkosh will soon have a modern learning commons that supports 21st‑century academic goals,” said Representative Gustafson. “Our leadership ensures these resources are available not just for today’s students, but for generations to come.”
This budget also invests $500 million increase in special education funding, $30 million for school based mental health services for children, $110 million in direct payments to child care providers, school choice for 4K, and $123 million to ensure affordability for low-income families. Legislative Republicans have ensured that the children of Wisconsin are being cared for throughout their entire education.
“UW–Oshkosh and the greater Oshkosh community will directly benefit from the Polk Library project for years to come,” said Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “I am proud to support this in the state budget, and I want to thank the local leaders who brought the need for this critical investment to our attention.”
This funding stems from a broad, bipartisan budget framework negotiated with Governor Evers, which notably provides $137 million for Polk Library at UW–Oshkosh and an additional $14 million for the municipal services payment program.
“I also want to thank many of our local communities with a disproportionate share of state-owned land—especially Oshkosh—for pushing to boost state reimbursement through the municipal services program,” added Sen. Cabral-Guevara. “For our communities with prisons, treatment facilities, and other state properties that are tax-exempt, this is a huge win to support the services they provide and not shift the burden to local property taxpayers.”
