MADISON – On June 12th, the Joint Committee on Finance passed Omnibus Motion #48 relating to public instruction. Included in that motion was an estimated proportional rate of special education cost reimbursement to school districts of 35% in 2025-26 and 37.5% 2026-27. Representative Sheehan (D-Sheboygan) released the following statement:
“The state must honor its commitment to our students, schools and communities. Without that, local property taxpayers will end up footing the bill. We need 60% reimbursement for special education and funding that gives schools predictable, flexible and spendable resources. I am hopeful the Governor and legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle can come together again to meet these goals.
It is critical to close the special education funding gap. As we listen to our constituents it is clear that all communities and all schools support funding special education. Right now, public schools are reimbursed at only 30% for special education costs, while private voucher schools get 90%. We cannot afford to pass another budget at this inequitable rate.
Wisconsinites have a strong sense of fairness, and this is simply not fair.
Public education is a constitutional promise in Wisconsin. We demand a budget that fills the special education funding gap and increases public school funding. Our legislative colleagues and Governor Evers must reject outright any budget that does not include these needs.
Let’s invest in a system that fulfills Wisconsin’s constitutional promise of public education.”
