MADISON, Wis. – Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly was in session to discuss over 30 bills, some that would directly affect the 2025-27 State Budget. Democrats are fighting to pass a strong state budget that will help lower costs for working families, invest in child care, and strengthen Wisconsin’s education system. Simultaneously, Republicans continue to stall as the June 30 budget deadline looms, putting thousands of Wisconsinites in jeopardy.
On June 4, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee—after hours of delay—agreed to slash investment in K-12 public schools, going from $3.15 billion to $336 million in total new investment. This forces schools to face egregious budget gaps. At the same time, Republicans have refused to put forward any general aid toward Wisconsin schools, denied raising primary special education reimbursement to an acceptable level, and have alluded to agreeing to an $87 million cut to the UW System.
Joint Finance Republicans canceled a vote on funding for child care on June 19. Critical support for child care services will be put at risk if the budget is delayed. The Child Care Counts program spends $120 million annually, and if there is no funding, the program will end or payments will be delayed. Since this canceled vote, the Joint Finance Committee has not met.
On Monday night, a roundtable event was held in Janesville to discuss education funding. “This was an opportunity to hear from local school officials and community members, who made it clear that they want compromise and solutions—which are hard to achieve when one side walks away,” Rep. Roe said.
As the deadline for the 2025-27 State Budget is less than a week away, Republicans continue to reuse Democratic legislation without attaching any funding to the mandates. This means the state would have to divert dollars from other essential programs, derailing the State Budget.
Democrats in the Legislature repeatedly offered amendments to ensure the bills include funding so they can actually help our communities. Republicans voted down every single amendment on Tuesday and continued to push legislation that holds empty promises for the people of Wisconsin.
In response, Rep. Roe released the following statement:
“Republicans are cherry-picking bills from a performative standpoint but refuse to do the work and the math to help our communities thrive. We often agree in theory about what were previous items in the Governor’s proposed budget—but a bill with no secured funding is a bad bill. Without funding, Republicans are making empty promises to the people of Wisconsin. As a legislature, we have the power to fund bills and laws. Republicans have abandoned their duty.”
