http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/teaching-students-s435.jpgAction will certainly lead to continued property tax increases, say Democrats.

MADISON— Today, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee voted against funding the basic support kids in Wisconsin schools need to succeed. Their decision comes at a time when classrooms are already under strain, and federal help for student services has been cut.

Without the state doing its part, schools will face bigger class sizes, less targeted support for students who need help with math and reading, and this will certainly lead to continued property tax increases. Students in mental health crises will have to wait longer for or go without one-on-one support, and they’ll have fewer extracurricular opportunities. This is the reality expressed at every public hearing the committee held around the state.

In response, the four Democratic members of the Joint Committee on Finance released the following statement:

“Public education is a constitutional right for our children. Our budget proposal ensures every kid in the state can go to a high-quality public school, providing resources for teachers and staff to ensure every student can thrive. This means equitable, predictable, and sustainable funding to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

“Today, Republicans chose to fail our kids by underfunding our classrooms, which will lead to continued funding crises and the cycle of endless referendums. These actions are the latest example of Republicans forcing people to choose between feeding their children and passing referendums to fund their schools. They continue to make it harder for Wisconsinites to build a better life.”