Evers discusses budget bill impact

GREEN BAY - The state superintendent is asking the legislature to change the governor's budget proposal for public education funding.   

Tony Evers made the announcement in Bellevue Thursday afternoon. Evers says it seems the governor wants public schools to do more with less.

"The double punch of a 1% increase in state aid to public schools which doesn't even come close to what our inflationary costs have been, coupled with a revenue cap freeze, will be disastrous to our schools," Evers explained.

Evers, along with area school superintendents, discussed the issue Thursday afternoon.

The group says the additional $129 million just isn't enough. Republican lawmakers say the discussion has only just begun.

"There's always going to be an ongoing debate as far as the level of school funding, that will continue when Joint Finance committees begin budget deliberations, but I think there are a lot of things you have to take into consideration," explained State Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere.

Evers also disagrees with the governor's $73 million proposal to expand the school voucher program.

Vouchers give state funds to eligible families to help pay for private school tuition.

The expansion would cover nine communities, including Green Bay.

Green Bay's superintendent says the program could cost the district millions, on top of the potential cuts from what they call "flat funding" from the state.

"I think the important thing is to recognize that we have confidence in our elected officials that they will see the importance of public education and reconsider the budget at this time," explained Green Bay superintendent Michelle Langenfeld.

However, those behind voucher program say it's good for the students.

"The vouchers for private schools, I believe, have been a tremendous life raft for thousands of kids in Wisconsin," explained former Republican State Representative and school voucher advocate John Gard. "I fully support growing that to additional kids that might be struggling in their existing schools."

Public hearings on the budget will be held across the state.

Those are expected to start in April. The budget takes effect July 1st.