Madison — Following Tuesday’s election, Representative Angelina Cruz (D-Racine), a long-time public school teacher, criticized Republican lawmakers after several school referendums failed, leaving districts facing severe cuts and possible closures.
“They knew where this was headed,” Cruz said. “Who will explain to children why their schools are closing while public funds are diverted to private schools? It’s heartbreaking to see students uncertain about their future and infuriating to read news about children in tears.”
District leaders must now consider staff and program cuts, school closures, consolidation, or even dissolution. “This means fewer opportunities for our future generations,” Cruz added, citing the state’s constitutional obligation to fund public education and the 2000 Vincent v. Voight ruling affirming that duty.
While most referendums passed statewide, Cruz noted many communities are strained. “People value public schools, but rising costs make it harder to ask more from taxpayers already struggling.”
Cruz highlighted her recent proposals, including the Phelps-Cruz plan (AB 1176) and the “Keep Our Promise on Special Education Reimbursement” bill (AB 859), as targeted solutions to the funding gap. “Any discussion about how to use the surplus should focus on investing in our neglected public schools while easing the burden on local property taxpayers. And that’s exactly what our plan does.”
“If there’s a silver lining, it’s growing awareness,” Cruz said. “Rising property taxes are tied to the state’s failure to fund public education – while still subsidizing private schools. That’s wrong, and it always has been.”
