The SAA has sent a letter to Governor Doyle thanking him for his strong support of K-12 public education in his 2005-07 State Budget proposal introduced last Tuesday. For a copy of the printout detailing school aid increases by school districts under the Governor’s plan, see 2005-07 Aid Increase by District.

I understand that some school administrators and board members have focused on the fact that the Governor’s budget plan does not allow them to spend additional money under revenue caps. That is true, but we must remember that there is no political will to remove revenue caps.

We need to educate our public that we will not be able to spend more under revenue caps. However, we still need to support the Governor’s plan as the best alternative out there.

Several other main points include:

• Property Tax Relief – While 2/3 state funding doesn’t allow greater growth in local education spending, apart from what is allowed by 3% growth under the cap (about $246 in FY06 and $251 in FY07), it does provide needed property tax relief and takes pressure off of local school levies.
• The Governor’s Way vs. the Alternative – The Governor’s budget provides $850 million in increased support for education -- $700 million for equalization aid and $150 million in school levy credit relief – and maintains current revenue limits. The GOP plan would impose stricter limits on education spending, the effect of which would be to harm the overall quality of public education in Wisconsin. Given these two proposals, the Governor’s plan is far superior to the alternative.
• Categorical Aid – The Governor’s budget also proposes $90 million in increased categorical aid, including $44.1 million more for SAGE, $16.4 million more for transportation aid, and $15.5 million more for special education. These categoricals can be spent by districts outside the revenue limits and can help offset local tax dollars currently being used to fund these needs and mandates.
• Revenue Cap Relief – The Governor’s plan also includes relief for declining enrollment districts, an increase in the low revenue ceiling and a provision for districts to recapture 100% of the previous year’s unused revenue cap authority.

For a copy of the SAA’s letter to Governor Doyle, please see SAA Letter to Governor Doyle. Please send the Governor (wisgov@gov.state.wi.us) your own letter of thanks, and copy your Senator, State Representative and the SAA as well. For your convenience, I have provided links to the Senate Directory, the Assembly Directory and Who Are My Legislators.

As always, thank you for all your efforts on behalf of Wisconsin school children. If you should have any questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

John D. Forester
Director of Government Relations
School Administrators Alliance (SAA)
4797 Hayes Road
Madison, WI 53704
608-242-1370
608-242-1290 (fax)
www.wsaa.org
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