MADISON, WI – State Representative Christian Phelps (D–Eau Claire) announced new legislation Monday to address an urgent problem in Wisconsin: Republicans are not keeping the promises they themselves made to students with disabilities.
Rep. Phelps released the following statement on LRB-5599 & LRB-5695:
“For years, GOP leaders have funded public school students with disabilities at less than one-third of what private voucher schools receive. This year, Dr. Jill Underly proposed a fair standard: 90% reimbursement for every student with disabilities. Then, Governor Evers proposed a compromise: 60% state funding of special education for students in public schools. But Republicans were only willing to offer even less, promising 42% this year and 45% next year – and then they developed a budget that doesn’t even keep that promise.
“The Department of Public Instruction now projects districts will receive only 35%, because Republicans approved a sum-certain appropriation instead of a sum-sufficient one, which would have accounted for inflation and rising costs.
“This bill simply tells the Legislature to mean what it says. If Republicans say kids with disabilities are worth a 42% investment, they should back it up. Our bill forces the state to fund the rate they promised.
“Students deserve the 90% reimbursement that Dr. Underly proposed – and when Democrats control the Legislature, we will fight for full, fair funding in the budget. But right now, this bill ends the broken promises. It prevents another year of shortfalls and tells kids, families, and districts that they can count on the state to keep its word.
“This bill ensures that special education reimbursements are actually paid at the promised rates, compelling our Legislature to finally back up its rhetoric with actual funding for the children who need the most support.”
