1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern that the State Assembly did not act on SB 852 and AB 859, which would have provided sum sufficient funding to reach the special education reimbursement levels set in the current state budget. The budget promised reimbursement rates of 42 percent for 2025–26 and 45 percent for 2026–27. However, the amount set aside in the 2025–2027 state budget was not enough to cover actual costs. As a result, schools are receiving $140 million less this year for special education than expected. Now that the Assembly session has ended, these bills cannot become law. This leaves school districts facing significant funding gaps with no clear path forward. There have been public statements that the Governor and Assembly Speaker are discussing reducing revenue through tax cuts in exchange for some spending increases. There are also rumors that a short-term fix for the current special education shortfall may be included in those negotiations. However, advocates are concerned that these talks will not result in a long-term solution to ensure that reimbursement levels match the actual costs schools incur. Reducing revenue through tax cuts will mean less funding available in the next budget cycle, even as special education needs continue to grow. Students with disabilities benefit from specialized instruction, therapies, support staff, and accommodations that allow them to learn and thrive alongside their peers. Schools need predictable and adequate funding to meet these legal and moral obligations. Without long-term, sum sufficient funding, districts are forced to shift costs to local property taxpayers or cut other programs to cover special education expenses. I urge you to support a durable, long-term funding solution that ensures the state’s promised reimbursement levels reflect real costs and provide schools with the certainty they need to serve all students effectively.