Article Summary –
Three Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin aim to reduce the reliance on local school funding referendums and alleviate the tax burden on voters amid 72 school districts seeking property tax increases. They argue that Republican control over the state legislature has led to underfunded schools and high property taxes, while a recent poll shows many voters prioritize reducing taxes over increasing school funding. Despite some increased funding for special education, Democrats hope to gain control in upcoming elections to ensure adequate school resources, while Republicans have criticized the current funding system as broken.
Three Democratic lawmakers aim to reduce reliance on ballot box funding as Wisconsin’s 72 school districts prepare for April referendums.
Early in-person voting kicks off March 24 for the April 7 election. Many school districts seek voter approval for property tax increases to support operating expenses and infrastructure.
State Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, Sen. Brad Pfaff, and Assembly Rep. Jenna Jacobson, a state Senate candidate, emphasized outside the Capitol on March 23, the urgent need for increased public school funding to relieve taxpayer burdens.
Hesselbein criticized 15 years of Republican legislative control, claiming it forces voters to choose between higher taxes or underfunded schools.
“Senate Republicans seem okay with rising property taxes, ignoring the burden on families,” she stated. “This is absurd. They should be ashamed, and you should be angry.”
A Marquette University Law School poll found 60% prioritize reducing property taxes over school funding. This is the highest percentage recorded since 2013.
The February poll showed 57% would vote against tax-increasing school referendums.
As referendums proceed, a lawsuit involving school districts, students, and parents challenges the state Legislature on its allegedly broken school funding system. The Wisconsin Independent reported that state contributions have declined over decades. Hesselbein said courts will handle this issue.
The latest state budget increased special education funding, but not to desired levels. The Department of Public Instruction noted inadequate coverage of actual expenditures. Hesselbein hopes for more funding if the Senate reconvenes this year.
“We must ensure funding,” Hesselbein insisted.
Lawmakers aim to gain Senate and Assembly control, plus retain the governorship, to pass a budget for adequate school funding. Republican majorities currently stymie Democratic efforts.
“We’ll work to fund public schools, hire teachers, reduce class sizes, and maintain educational access,” Hesselbein vowed.
A January press release highlighted Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ criticism of Republicans for denying school funding in the state budget. His agenda seeks to lower taxes while boosting school investment.
Pfaff criticized difficult decisions faced by his district, citing De Soto’s three failed referendums. “We must improve,” Pfaff said. “A Democratic majority will prioritize reducing referendums.”
Two Republican state Senators, including Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, announced retirements. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos also stepped down following a heart attack.
A February letter from LeMahieu and Vos to Evers called for school funding reforms to replace guaranteed funding.
Jacobson is running for Senate District 17, currently held by GOP Sen. Howard Marklein, co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee.
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