MADISON, WI – Today, State Representative Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire) voted no on the 2025-2027 State Budget, calling it a “public-school-closing Republican budget” and rejecting the GOP-led deal that will continue starving public education in Wisconsin while rewarding unaccountable private voucher schools.
Rep. Phelps released the following statement:
“I would’ve happily supported a budget that aligned with communities’ needs and advocates’ demands: 90% special education reimbursement, inflationary increases to public school funding to keep property taxes down, full BadgerCare expansion, full childcare funding, increased university funding, and restorative justice instead of mass incarceration, paid for by fair taxes on the wealthy. But this budget does not meet those needs and has not earned my support.
“This irresponsible budget, which guts many of Wisconsinites’ favorite programs, should be rejected outright.
“It will leave public schools struggling to stay open. The 93rd Assembly District has seen the closure of schools like Downsville Elementary, while the Republican-controlled legislature sat on a $4 billion surplus and prioritized private voucher expansion instead.
“I will not help Republicans pass a budget that closes public schools and bankrupts rural communities. This budget props up a separate and unequal education system–one with no elected school boards, no public accountability, and no guarantees for kids with disabilities.
“The political cost of this deal is simply too high.
“This is a betrayal of the working-class people who sent us to the capitol. Some issues deserve compromise, but the survival of public education is not one of them. I’ve been clear with my constituents: I’ve fought these dangerous games every step of the way.”
