Madison, Wis. — This week, Representative Ann Roe (D–Janesville) joined Representative Angelina Cruz (D–Racine), Representative Christian Phelps (D–Eau Claire), and the full Assembly Democratic Caucus to introduce legislation that will responsibly use a portion of the state surplus to lower property taxes and invest in public schools, following Wisconsin’s largest property tax increase since 2018.

State Representative Ann Roe released the following statement:

“I am excited that the full Assembly Democratic Caucus has united behind this proposal to keep property taxes down by finally paying the state’s unpaid bills for public school services in our communities. While Speaker Vos and Assembly Republicans have gaveled out and shown little interest in working for the rest of the year, we believe these priorities deserve bipartisan support and urgent action. Democrats are not on vacation.”

The proposal (LRB-6488) would:

  • Increase the state’s share of general school budgets, covering the total projected statewide increase in property taxes for schools in 2026 (source: Legislative Fiscal Bureau).
  • Reimburse all school districts for 60% of their special education costs, up from the effective 35% reimbursement rate today, significantly reducing the need for property tax referendums, using about $1.3 billion of the existing $2.4 billion state surplus already at our disposal in Madison.

“Although this bill cannot undo the systemic defunding of public education,” according to the School District of Janesville Chief Financial Officer Dan McCrea, “it would reduce the amount the district needs by $4 million. While that may not eliminate the need for a continuing operational referendum, it would go a long way toward keeping Wisconsin’s promise to its school districts.”

“Support for this proposed legislation is viewed as positive for students, staff, and the community within the School District of Janesville,” according to McCrea.

“By passing this proposal, our public schools would have more money to fund services for kids before needing to pursue property tax referendums. Such a bill would also prevent automatic increases to voucher payments, which send private schools state dollars from public school budgets, holding both private and public schools accountable,” Rep. Roe continued.

“This so-called ‘surplus’ exists largely because the last state budget provided a historic $0 in new general funds for public schools, leaving communities to fill those gaps through higher property taxes.”

“This surplus is also misleading because the state still has existing obligations to cover — both costs already budgeted and additional expenses driven by federal chaos — including hospital assessment rates, rising FoodShare costs, and increased state Medicaid expenditures.”

“This bill is a solution — not a one-time gimmick or a short-term fix. School board members and superintendents from around the state, in both red and blue districts, support this bill.”

“Our proposal would provide real relief for both households and classrooms, and it is the right thing to do for our students and taxpayers. Wisconsinites pay their bills — now it is time for Wisconsin to pay its bills,” Rep. Roe concluded.