MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – With two of the most prominent public education systems in Wisconsin asking for a boost in funding, state lawmakers have plenty to discuss in regards to school funding once the new session begins on Jan. 6.
However, even some Democrats aren’t fully on board with what has been proposed.
“We should do better to fund education of all stripes but I think those proposals were a little too rich for my taste,” said State Sen.-elect Jamie Wall, D-Green Bay.
State schools superintendent Jill Underly is asking lawmakers to spend more than $4 billion on K-12 schools in her proposal.
Republicans indicate there’s room to provide better support for special education programs and school safety.
“But to do across-the-board additional increases that are above and beyond what already is baked into the cake may be a bit of a challenge,” said State Rep. David Steffen, R-Howard.
An issue Republicans have is with line-item vetoes Gov. Tony Evers used in the last budget cycle to extend increases in funding for public schools for 400 years.
“I think that’s going to have to be rectified before we have any real conversation about what school funding’s going to look like,” said State Rep. Nate Gustafson, R-Fox Crossing.
Newly elected Democratic state Sen. Kristin Alfheim, D-Appleton, wants to see more transparency with public dollars going to private school vouchers.
“What do we do to be honest about the math that the taxpayers are contributing. We need to know where it’s all going and then adjust the formula so that it works,” said Alfheim.
The Universities of Wisconsin is also asking for a boost of $855 million in state support, as the system hopes to avoid tuition increases and layoffs.
Evers has already indicated he plans to propose more than $800 million in the budget he plans to send to lawmakers.
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