The Governor’s and Republican leader’s proposal does not solve the problems with the existing state budget, and it may make the next budget worse.
The bill claims to increase special education funding, but does not guarantee schools will actually get back a percentage of every dollar they spend to help special education students. The (sum-certain) amount set by the legislature in the state budget has not been enough to cover actual costs, which means schools do not get the reimbursement rate the legislature promised.
This bill does not change special education appropriation from “sum certain” to “sum sufficient, which means the structural flaw that keeps resulting in special education funding shortfalls remains the same.
“This continues a cycle of promises made and promises broken,” said Sydney Badeau, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities Board Chair. “It is not a 50% reimbursement rate unless the money to pay 50% of the costs is there.”
Wisconsin is already heading into the next state budget cycle at least $500 M short of the cost of operating current programs, because the current state budget did not set aside enough money to cover the cost of programs people with disabilities need to survive and thrive. That deficit could increase in the coming months with rising costs, federal funding cuts that impact state budgets, and economic uncertainty.
“People with disabilities depend on programs and services that get state and federal funding,” said Badeau. “Spending down Wisconsin’s savings and reducing income when the state is already not providing enough funding to cover actual costs means there will be even less money next budget to pay for the programs people need. Less savings and less income means budget cuts next cycle at a time when many state programs, services, and infrastructure need more investment.”
Wisconsin’s Medicaid program is currently $263 Million short. Medicaid is what pays health and long-term care providers for their work, and it is critical to make sure children with disabilities, adults with disabilities, and families can live full lives in the community and reach their full potential.
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is $11 Million short. People with disabilities who want to work are being told they must wait at least a year for help because the DVR did not get enough money this budget to meet the demand for services. By the end of the year, 15,000 people are expected to be on a waiting list.
Last spring, disability advocates talked with legislators about many state and local programs that need more state funding to provide the support communities need and cover increasing costs.
“We heard again and again from lawmakers that there was not enough money and our requests couldn’t be added to the budget. We were told that the surplus couldn’t be used,” said Badeau. “Many important programs did not get a funding increase or enough money to cover increased costs in the budget that passed in July. How does spending the state’s savings now help the people who need these programs?”
Federal funding cuts made last year are beginning to impact state budgets now and in coming state budget cycles. More than 12 states are already cutting Medicaid and other programs to address current state budget shortfalls because of federal funding cuts, and more states are saying they will have to cut budgets next time. Disability advocates worry more cuts to federal funding are coming before the end of the year that will deepen the impact on state budgets.
“Special education is important, but it is not the only thing that people with disabilities need,” said Badeau. “A one-time $300 check does not cover the need for long-term continual supports.”
