Madison, WI – Yesterday, Wisconsin Democratic Legislators circulated their Keep Our Promise on Special Education Reimbursement legislation, which fulfills the state’s promise to our public schools to provide needed funding for special education.
Our school’s need for special education instruction is increasing rapidly, and is greater than was projected in 2025-27 state budget, which set the reimbursement rate at 42% for next year. Because the need is higher than projected, the state will now only be able to reimburse 35% of special education costs with funds from the budget. The Keep Our Promise on Special Education Reimbursement legislation changes state funding to “sum sufficient.” This means districts would be guaranteed to get reimbursed at 42%.
“We as a state made a commitment to our public schools and the kids who need our support. This bill ensures the state keeps that commitment and provides the special education funding promised to school districts in the 2025-27 state budget,” Robert Wirch (D – Pleasant Prairie) said.
