Jeff Smith - Keeping Wisconsin’s Promise on Special Education Funding

MADISON, Wis -- With the state’s higher than anticipated increase in need for special education services, Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) has partnered with Rep. Angelina Cruz (D – Racine) to introduce a new bill to address the issue. 

When lawmakers voted to pass the state’s budget in July, they clearly specified that the reimbursement rate for special education would be 42% through 2026, and then 45% through 2027. However, on November 17th, the Department of Public Instruction informed school officials that the special education reimbursement rate would be just 35% due to previously unknown increases in need. 

For years, the cost of special education has increased and state funding hasn’t kept up. Because special education is mandated, districts must make up shortfalls in funding from their general funds. Insufficient special education funding is one reason for the number of referenda in our state.

“We must make sure Wisconsin upholds its commitment to our public schools and reimburses special education at the levels promised in this year’s state budget. Something had to be done immediately to remedy the shortfall and that’s exactly what this bill would do,” said Sen. Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick). “It’s now up to the majority party to get this bill to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”