WEAC Backs Special Education Bill
The Special Education Bill (AB 835/SB 828), a new, comprehensive bill moving through the Legislature could significantly improve funding stability for Wisconsin’s public schools and strengthen the next generation of public school educators. Both bills are in their respective Education Committees and we continue to lobby to see something move to address this funding crisis before the final floor session occurs. Here’s what the bill does:
- Beginning in 2026‑27, this bill would tie annual revenue limit increases to inflation—using the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—ensuring future school funding keeps pace with rising costs.
- The bill also makes a major change to special education reimbursement. The proposal phases reimbursement rates up to 90 percent, allowing schools to direct far more resources to student services instead of covering state shortfalls with general funds.
- Finally, the bill creates a new teacher preparation grant program to help recruit and retain future educators. Wisconsin students pursuing teaching degrees could receive funds for tuition, fees and licensing costs if they commit to teaching in the state for at least four years after graduation.
These changes represent a big step toward fairness and sustainability in school funding and a renewed commitment to our teaching workforce.
Contact your legislators and urge them to support this bill. Share how tying revenue limits to inflation, fully funding special education and investing in teacher preparation will benefit students.
Bill Circulating for Co-Sponsorship: Simplifying Licensure For School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists
WEAC members who work as speech-language pathologists know firsthand that Wisconsin’s current licensure system is complicated. Depending on where they practice, SLPs are required to navigate multiple licensure pathways through the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). To address this, the Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Association has requested a bill to simplify and unify the licensure process for SLPs, which would be phased in over time.
Constitutional Amendments on Ballot this November
Two Constitutional amendments are set to go before voters this fall, and a third (which would restrict the governor’s veto power), may also be added. The two that have cleared the way to the ballot would:
- Bar state and local governments from ordering the closure of houses of worship during an emergency, including public health emergencies.
- Prohibit government entities, including public schools, colleges and universities, from using factors such as race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in decision-making. This would prevent efforts to advance equity as schools address systemic discrimination. The measure would limit scholarships, hiring and diversity, and equity and inclusion programs.
