A new legislative proposal introduced by Reps. Christian Phelps and Angelina Cruz would deliver a significant investment in Wisconsin’s public schools while helping to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. Today, Rep. Margaret Arney (Milwaukee/Wauwatosa) voiced her support for the measure.
“For years, homeowners have been feeling the pinch with continued property tax increases,” said Arney. “This proposal provides real relief by shifting the burden away from property taxpayers while still ensuring classrooms remain fully funded.”
The bill, LRB-6488, provides a $445 million increase in general school aid for the 2026–27 school year. The funding straight will go to school districts.
The proposal also fully offsets projected increases in school property taxes. LRB-6488’s $445 million investment in general aid is sufficient to cover that projected 2026–27 increase of$422.9 million, significantly reducing pressure on property taxes statewide.
The bill also makes a major improvement to special education funding by increasing the state reimbursement rate to 60 percent of eligible costs. This change addresses a long-standing structural issue that has forced school districts to divert general classroom funding to cover special education expenses.
“The impact of this bill would be felt in both of the public school districts I represent in the 18th District,” Arney said. “Milwaukee Public Schools would receive an additional $59.9 million for special education, while Wauwatosa School District would receive an additional $4.2 million.
By investing in both general aid and special education reimbursement, LRB-6488 creates a more stable and predictable funding structure for school districts. This stability will help reduce reliance on operating referendums and allow districts to plan their budgets with greater confidence, all while reducing the property tax burden that has been affecting communities all across Wisconsin.
“I am proud to be a cosponsor of LRB-6488,” Arney said. “For too long the state has underfunded our schools, and it is long past time to fix the problem.”
