On October 15th, the state learned that over 70% of Wisconsin school districts will be forced to absorb cuts to their general aid funding. How do Republicans plan to make up for the shortfall? By asking you to raise your own property taxes.
This extraordinary mismanagement of public school funds will slash the budgets for books, technology, class sizes, and safe, well-maintained facilities — betraying the parents, students, and educators in all 301 districts facing cuts.
Across the state, districts will now be forced to take up referendums on whether to raise property taxes or leave their local schools in financial jeopardy. When 65% of Wisconsin families say they are just getting by or struggling, forcing them to the ballot box to choose between their children’s education and their household budget only underscores how disconnected Republican legislators are from the average Wisconsinite.
Senate Democrats are offering a better path. Senator Jeff Smith put it best, saying we are, “committed to investing in the future of Wisconsin’s children and re-establishing our state as one of the leaders in K-12 education as it once was.” Properly funding public schools will not only secure better outcomes for our kids but also reduce the pressure of rising property taxes — helping achieve Senate Democrats’ top goal: creating an Affordable Wisconsin for everyone.