Wisconsin Fox Valley Educators Warn Budget Freezes Threaten School Funding

Budget proposals in Ohio and Wisconsin have sparked concerns among educators and officials regarding education funding and tax policies. Ohio's Senate conference committee proposed a flat tax rate and measures that could reduce school funding by allowing property tax cuts if districts carry over funds, alongside a controversial $600 million allocation for a new Cleveland Browns stadium from unclaimed funds. In Wisconsin, the GOP-led Joint Finance Committee faced criticism for freezing funding increases for two years and setting special education reimbursement rates lower than Democratic recommendations, leading to fears of school closures and budget deficits. Fox Valley school superintendents highlighted the mismatch between state revenue and inflation, forcing districts to use savings and make tough budget decisions, including potential cuts affecting education quality. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos acknowledged the importance of special education funding but emphasized balancing investments with tax relief priorities. Educators warn that insufficient funding will shift costs to local property taxpayers and degrade public education services, particularly for special needs students and those requiring language support.