1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to support and co-sponsor AB 859, which would provide sum-sufficient funding to meet the special education reimbursement levels already established in the 2025–27 state budget. The enacted budget set reimbursement rates of 42 percent for the 2025–26 school year, increasing to 45 percent in 2026–27. The Department of Public Instruction has since confirmed that the amount appropriated is not sufficient to cover actual special education costs, resulting in an estimated $140 million shortfall this year for services that school districts are legally required to provide. Local districts built their budgets based on the reimbursement levels approved by the Legislature. When those funds do not materialize as expected, districts are forced to absorb the difference by diverting resources from general education and other essential services. With nearly 16 percent of Wisconsin students identified as having a disability, this funding gap has broad and lasting consequences for schools and communities across the state. AB 859 is a necessary corrective measure that does not expand special education mandates or create new obligations. It simply aligns state appropriations with existing law and ensures that districts receive the funding level already promised in the budget, providing predictability and stability for local schools. I respectfully ask that you add your name as a co-sponsor of AB 859 and support its advancement through the legislative process. Please let me know your position on this legislation. Thank you for your time and for your service to our district.