We commend Governor Evers and legislative leaders from both parties for working together in a bipartisan manner to reach this $1.8 billion agreement to use state surplus dollars to fund schools and provide relief to property taxpayers.
First and foremost, we are encouraged by the $600 million investment in K-12 education. For far too long, insufficient special education reimbursement rates have forced Wisconsin schools to serve students with disabilities by shifting funds from budgetary resources and programs intended to benefit all students. Directing $300 million toward closing that gap will make a real and lasting difference for students, families, and the educators who go above and beyond every single day. The remaining $300 million in education funding that will directly reduce property tax levies in the 2026-27 school year is an equally meaningful win — recognizing that supporting our schools and providing relief to homeowners are not competing goals, but complementary ones.
Property tax relief has also been a priority for Wisconsin families, seniors, and others on fixed or limited incomes who have felt the squeeze of rising costs. This agreement delivers meaningful action on that front.
While these resources are important for public schools struggling with a declining level of state investment, it will not solve the longer-term problem. The state has shifted away from providing inflationary increases in spendable resources for schools for 17 years. One state surplus deal cannot reverse that trend by itself. We pledge to work with all who are committed to finding workable and lasting solutions to funding our public schools.
We look forward to further details as this deal is put into bill language and makes its way through the Joint Finance Committee and Legislature this week.
