‘Education matters': Hundreds speak out on proposed state budget during Joint Finance Committee public hearing

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) — Wisconsin’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) wants to hear from you about Governor Tony Evers’ proposed state budget that was unveiled in February. 

On Friday, April 4, hundreds packed the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center for the second of four public hearings for constituents to voice their opinion to leaders about what the budget should prioritize.

“We’re here to listen and input here today may influence what we decide to do down the road,” said Sen. Howard Marklein, the senate co-chair for the JFC.

That input ranged on several topics in the proposed budget, including lowering healthcare costs to a freeze on property tax.

But many focused on the importance of funding for children’s education which isn’t surprising as that’s historically been at the top of discussions.

In the budget, Gov. Evers proposed a more than $1 billion increase to boost special education reimbursement from its current 33% to 60%, and other significant increases to K-12 and higher ed schools.

Now some state officials, like Rep. Deb Andraca with the 23rd district, are calling this budget the “most kid-friendly” in Wisconsin history.

“An unprecedented number of our school districts have been forced to turn to referendum, asking their communities to raise their own property taxes in order to fund schools,” Rep. Andraca said.

Others used their time at the mic to highlight the funding needs for updating overcrowded classrooms.

“But today we’re turning away applicants who want to pursue a healthcare career,” said University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone. “By the way, how many times do you hear a chancellor say we’re turning away students?”

Melissa Custer, a mother in Grafton, spoke about how her son is now being homeschooled due to his high support needs and health issues that couldn’t be helped long-term in a traditional school setting.

“This is what happens when schools have to cut corners,” Custer said. “Our children pay the price.”

For Kim Anderson, the legislative chair for the Wisconsin Parents and Teachers, said it was important for her to share her views as a mother.

“The current funding model is unsustainable and without urgent action, we risk further damaging our education system and increasing inequities and undermining our children and community’s futures,” Anderson said.

Sen. LaTonya Johnson with the 6th district agreed, adding that “education matters.”

“Especially when 73% of the jobs in Wisconsin require some level of college degree,” Sen. Johnson said.

The hearing started at 10 a.m. and went until 5 p.m.

If you want to speak, the next two hearings will be held at Hayward High School on April 28 and at Northcentral Technical College, Center for Health Sciences, in Wausau on April 29.