Green Bay area legislator wants Wisconsin schools and libraries to receive $174.7 million that will be distributed by the Department of Public Instruction.

MADISON – The Federal CARES Act created the Education Stabilization Fund, which provides federal funding to K-12 local educational agencies (LEAs) and institutions of higher education (IHEs). The CARES Act also provided additional funding to support library services. In total, Wisconsin schools and libraries are eligible to receive $174.7 million that will be distributed by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). DPI has submitted their request and plan to the Joint Finance Committee, which outlines the manner in which the funding will be distributed. The plan must go through the passive approval process in Joint Finance Committee.

Rep. Gruszynski (D-Green Bay) released the following statement in support of DPI’s proposed plan:

“As a legislature, we must prioritize measures to get our schools the needed resources to best educate our children during this crisis. Our states educators are some of the most creative, forward thinking individuals in Wisconsin. I am confident this funding will lead to better education outcomes due to their dedication.

“Now is the time to lean into the experience of our state professionals at DPI and trust their plan. I fully support the DPI proposal and like Governor Evers, I believe what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state. This is not the time to unnecessarily delay funding as school districts continue to plan and push to meet the challenges of COVID-19 in our communities.”

In order for DPI to proceed with this plan, the Joint Committee on Finance must passively approve an increase to DPI’s budget authority levels in the various federal appropriations it administers. This means that if there are no objections to the DPI plan by May 12th, they can increase their spending authority, proceed with their proposed plans and dispense these critical funds. An objection to the plan could delay the ability of DPI to dispense this funding to our schools in an expedited manner. The federal Department of Education has indicated they can approve plans within three days, expediting the quick access to these needed funds.