New LFB Memo Shows Wisconsin Republicans’ Prioritize Tax Breaks for the Wealthy Over Public Education Funding

MADISON – A new memo form the non-partisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) shows Scott Walker and the Republicans used their power to cut nearly $200 million in general school aid from 75% of the school districts across Wisconsin from 2015 to 2016. [1]

Wisconsin Republicans’ budget cuts have had terrible consequences for public education, including 74 referenda requests this year alone by local communities just to help keep their schools’ lights on. In addition, public schools have lost 2867 teachers, and the average teacher now has 12.7% less experience than before.

“Instead of prioritizing the well being and future of our kids, Scott Walker and the Republicans decided to give hundreds of millions of dollars in tax cuts to those at the very top,” Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Martha Laning said on Thursday. “While students can’t even get the resources they need to get the quality education they are entitled to, Republicans are doing things like giving $21 million in tax breaks to the 11 richest people in Wisconsin.”

The most recent data from the LFB just adds to a long history of wrong doings by Scott Walker and the Republicans against Wisconsin’s public education system. Over the past three budgets, Scott Walker and the Republicans have cut over $1 billion from public school funding while giving tax breaks to the very rich. [2]

“Wisconsin needs new leadership that will ensure the tax system isn’t rigged for those at the top and that everyone pays their fair share. This will ensure we have the resources to properly fund our public education and give every child, regardless of their zip code, the education they deserve and a fair shot to get ahead.

“Scott Walker and the Republicans can’t recognize a strong public education system is the backbone of building a strong workforce and economy. If we want to build a stronger Wisconsin, we must properly invest in our public education system to ensure our children get the resources they deserve.” Laning concluded.

[1]: Legislative Fiscal Bureau Memo: General School Aid Changes, 2010-2011 to 2015-16, 8/12/16
[2]: Legislative Fiscal Bureau Memo: Budgeted GPR Funding for K-12 Public Schools, UW System, and WTCS system through 2016-2017, 1/14/16

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.