MADISON – Tuesday, Governor Evers announced major investments and initiatives from his 2023-25 biennial budget to support Wisconsin kids and K-12 schools throughout the state. The Governor’s proposal would provide an increase of more than $2.6 billion for public schools - the second largest proposed direct investment in state general aids since the 1995-97 biennium, the largest per pupil adjustments since revenue limits were imposed, and a historic investment in special education.

Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement on the plan:

“Wisconsin Democrats are working for Wisconsin, and this historic investment would provide our schools with the resources necessary to educate our students, support our educators, and uplift working families. Our children and students are our future, and it is the responsibility of lawmakers to ensure that they have every opportunity to grow, learn, & thrive.

“Our public schools stretch every dollar they receive to the absolute limit to do good by and serve their communities, but unfortunately, the state’s current funding levels are not enough. In 2022 alone, 166 schools went to referendum – the highest number of referendums since 2001 – asking residents to increase their own taxes to backfill the state’s shortcomings. While our local communities should not have to rely on referendums to sustain their schools, Wisconsin taxpayers approved more than $2 billion in property tax increases through these referendums in 2022.

“Governor Evers’ budget would provide a meaningful investment in our public education at every level and provide our schools with the support necessary to succeed. From investments in literacy and reading programs and school nutrition to staffing resources and mental health programs, Governor Evers’ recent budget proposal makes it clear that our public schools, our students, and our teachers are a top priority. What’s best for our kids is best for our state.”