Wednesday night the state Senate voted not to pass the special session bill (MY 6 AB 1) that would have spent down state savings and reduced the amount of income the state uses to pay its bills.
Disability advocates were concerned approving this proposal now would put many critical state programs and services at risk of budget cuts in the future.
“This decision puts Wisconsin in a better position to reimagine, reevaluate, and have a vision on how to change the way we invest public dollars so people with disabilities, unpaid caregivers, and the community-based workforce can earn living wages and fully participate in their communities and Wisconsin’s economy,” said Jason Glozier, Survival Coalition Co-Chair. “We cannot continue to do the same things and get a different future. In addition to funding special education services we need to ensure there is an avenue to employment by fully funding the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and ending the waitlist in addition to new ideas to make real changes that will drive positive outcomes and futures for youth with disabilities and their families.”
Disability advocates remain concerned that federal funding cuts made last year will impact state budgets now and continue into future state budget cycles.
