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Surplus Negotiations Continue: Now Is the Time to Act on Special Education & Property Tax Relief
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | April 13, 2026
Recent reports indicate that Assembly Republicans have a framework for a potential agreement with Governor Evers. While details and a timeline for action remain unclear, in a social media post yesterday, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said:
“Following intensive discussions with Governor Evers, spanning almost a month, we are working towards returning the tax surplus to the people. Our proposal encompasses property tax relief, rebate checks, tax exemptions on tips and overtime, and enhanced special education funding for our schools. Let’s hope we can convene the Legislature (we need the GOP State Senate to agree) soon so we can get this package enacted.”
As with the framework of any deal, the devil is in the details, which have yet to be released. It remains clear that any proposal will likely face challenges in the Senate, but the fact that negotiations between the Assembly majority and the Governor have produced a potential path forward is an encouraging step.
At this stage, school leaders must continue engaging with legislators and urging action. Districts are making staffing and programming decisions right now for the upcoming school year. An investment in special education would have an immediate impact by increasing the reimbursement rate and providing much-needed budget stability.
The message is simple:
Wisconsin has a projected $2.5 billion surplus. Using a portion of that surplus to fulfill the state’s commitment to special education funding should be a top priority.
- It would take approximately $200 million to meet the promised reimbursement rates of 42% and 45%.
- That is a small fraction of the surplus, leaving significant room for additional investments in special education aid and tax relief measures.
- Importantly, increasing special education reimbursement is also a form of property tax relief, reducing the need for districts to rely on local levies to maintain operations.
Lawmakers have an opportunity to both deliver on their commitment to students and address affordability concerns for Wisconsin taxpayers.
Now is the time to reach out to your legislators and urge them to:
- At a minimum, fulfill the promised investment in special education, and
- Pair that investment with meaningful property tax relief for communities across the state.
If you need your legislators’ contact information, please use the “find my legislators” link.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
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