If you are concerned that 10 years of no state increase  in special education funding is having a negative impact on children with disabilities now is the time to act to request more funding in the state budget. Legislative leaders have indicated they will not support a proposed increase to cover at least 2/3 of special education costs.

 

Contact your legislator to share your concerns. Ask for the state to increase its share of funding to  cover least 60% of special education costs. Call the legislative hotline 1‐800‐362‐9472 or locate your legislator’s email here. 

screen shot of a handout with photo and text
Educate yourself and share this this handout with your legislator and your community.

Share your story about special education quality and stories from hundreds of families statewide in this report.

Check out how the state’s support for special education has reduced over time.

chart with line with arrow going down dramatically over the last 20 years

What you need to know:

  • Special education funding has not increased across Wisconsin in the last decade and parents are reporting the impact on their children with disabilities.
  • Governor Evers’ proposed state budget calls for a significant increase in special education funding.
  • Currently, the state covers just one-quarter of all special education costs.
  • The Governor’s proposal would increase that reimbursement to 60% by 2021.
  • This would provide a critical increase of $600 million in state funding to local districts.
  • Legislative leaders say they will not support this proposed increase.
  • Legislators are not hearing from families requesting this increase.

More details on what you can do:

Contact Senator Luther Olsen, education lead for the Joint Finance (budget) Committee, and share your story of how lack of special education funding has affected your child and your school district.

  • Send an email or call the office.  Email: Sen.Olsen@legis.wi.gov; (608) 266-0751
  • Be sure to include a picture of your child with your story.
  • Make sure you tell why this investment is important to your child and your school district.
  • Contact your legislators and share your story with them and ask them to support the increase. https://maps.legis.wisconsin.gov