An Act to repeal 20.255 (2) (ab), 121.105 (5) and 121.91 (2m) (j) 2.; to renumber and amend 121.91 (2m) (j) 2m.; to amend 20.255 (2) (ac), 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a., 121.905 (3) (c) 6., 121.905 (3) (c) 9., 121.91 (2m) (j) 3., 121.91 (2m) (r) 1. b. and 121.91 (2m) (s) 1. b.; to create 20.255 (2) (ab), 121.105 (5) and 121.91 (2m) (j) 2m. b. of the statutes; Relating to: general equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Impact
The bill allocates substantial financial resources to education, increasing state aid through the equalization formula by $493,800,000 for the 2025-26 school year and an additional $699,900,000 for the 2026-27 school year. This funding aims to uphold and potentially enhance the financial stability of school districts by ensuring they receive no less total aid than they had in the previous school year, thereby addressing concerns of aid disparities.
Summary
Assembly Bill 495 proposes significant changes to the funding structure for school districts in Wisconsin. It seeks to amend current laws related to general equalization aids and introduces adjustments to the per pupil funding model for school districts, particularly beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Under the bill, the per pupil adjustment will be calculated based on an increase in the consumer price index instead of a fixed annual amount, which could lead to more funding variability for districts.
Contention
Debates surrounding AB495 have highlighted key points of contention, particularly regarding the adequacy of funding and the methodologies used to calculate per pupil funding adjustments. Proponents argue that linking funding to the consumer price index will allow for a more responsive funding system that can better meet the changing costs associated with education. However, critics express concerns that these changes may create funding uncertainties that could undermine local school district planning and budgeting, particularly in less affluent areas that may struggle with fluctuating state contributions.
Crossfiled
An Act to repeal 20.255 (2) (ab), 121.105 (5) and 121.91 (2m) (j) 2.; to renumber and amend 121.91 (2m) (j) 2m.; to amend 20.255 (2) (ac), 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a., 121.905 (3) (c) 6., 121.905 (3) (c) 9., 121.91 (2m) (j) 3., 121.91 (2m) (r) 1. b. and 121.91 (2m) (s) 1. b.; to create 20.255 (2) (ab), 121.105 (5) and 121.91 (2m) (j) 2m. b. of the statutes; Relating to: general equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)