MADISON, WI (Wisconsin Radio Network – WSAU) — State Republicans say will increase K-12 education funding by $500 million, far less than what was proposed by Governor Tony Evers.
State Republicans are defending their position on cutting back on the Governor’s proposed $1.4 billion proposed boost to public education. Evers wanted state funding to cover 100 percent of K-12 costs. The Joint Finance Committee’s lower amount restores funding to about 30 percent.
State Senator Luther Olsen says the Legislature is still increasing spending on students. “It’s not like, well one guy has a proposal, and this is a cut from that. We’re talking about a number that is an increase on an actual number that was spent.”
Olsen said, “When I’ve talked to superintendents around the state, they’re realistic. And they said ‘If you can get us 30 percent, Luther, we will be very happy.”
Assembly speaker Robin Voss says the lower $500 million would still be the most Wisconsin has ever spent on public education.
Republicans hold a majority on the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee and in both chambers of the state legislature. The budget they approve must either be signed, vetoed, or face line-item vetos from Governor Evers.
