MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Lawmakers are one step closer to finalizing a new two-year state budget.
The legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted Monday on one of the key remaining issues: education funding.
Republicans, like Assembly co-chair John Nygren, support the $639,000,000 that would be allocated.
“Whether it be preparing for college or the world of work, we need to be able to give our schools the same opportunities and our kids the same opportunities, regardless of their zip codes.”
Senate co-chair Alberta Darling believes the school funding, which is less than Governor Scott Walker requested, is “an investment in K-12 funding that is historic.”
The committee’s plan also calls for per pupil increases of $200 and $204 in years one and two, respectively.
In addition, it increases aid for low-spending districts.
Democrats, like Representative Gordon Hintz, wish more money was going to the state’s schools.
“I don’t think we need a sales tax holiday deduction that costs $22,000,000. I don’t think the existing $30,000,000 private school tax credit that costs $30,000,000 each year is the best use of money. I would put those dollars into public education.”
Democrats were unsuccessful Monday in petitioning for the increase.
Senator Jon Erpenbach says “making sure our public schools are taken care of and they are strong…we’re not doing that…Governor Walker hasn’t done that. He was giddy cutting public schools in his first couple of budgets.”
The committee also approved $1,000,000,000 for state building projects, which includes funds for a new STEM facility on the UW-Green Bay campus.
Joint Finance Committee members are expected to meet again next Tuesday through Thursday to finish up the major sticking point of transporation funding, as well as the proposed $3,000,000,000 incentive package to help technology giant Foxconn build a $10,000,000,000 facility at an undisclosed site in Southeast Wisconsin.
The new state budget is nearly two months late, with spending levels from the previous budget remaining in effect.
