MADISON, WI – Democrats across Wisconsin have demonstrated their commitment to fighting for public education funding this week. State Representative Robyn Vining reintroduced her ‘Save Our Schools’ Act, aimed at increasing the rate at which special education is reimbursed and increasing the per-pupil funding in our schools. Similarly, Senator Jeff Smith is drafting a bill that would also increase the rate of special education reimbursement.

There is no question that our public schools are underfunded, as communities across our state are forced to referendum to make up for the lack of state funding – and while Republicans are asleep at the wheel, Democrats are fighting to fund our schools, lower costs, and build a stronger future for our state.

Sen. Smith on his proposed legislation:

“We must make sure Wisconsin upholds its commitment to our public schools and reimburses special education at the levels promised in this year’s state budget. Something had to be done immediately to remedy the shortfall and that’s exactly what this bill would do. It’s now up to the majority party to get this bill to the Governor’s desk as soon as possible.”

Rep. Robyn Vining on the ‘Save Our Schools’ Act:

“Strong public schools are good for our workforce, they’re good for our property values, they’re good for our economy, and they’re good for Wisconsin.”

Read more on Democrat’s standing up for Wisconsin Public Schools:

Spectrum New 1: State Democrats reintroduce 'Save Our Schools' Act

• Roys said public school funding is the number one issue she’s heard from constituents. She added that if Republicans don’t fund schools, there may be fewer of them operating in the State Legislature next session.

WMTV 15 News: State lawmakers introduce bill to increase special education funding

• “We need to fulfill our constitutional duties on all sides of the aisle to uphold every child’s constitutional right to an adequately funded education,” said Rep. Robyn Vining, D-Wauwatosa.”

WKOW 27: State Democrats re-introduce legislation providing increased funding for special ed classrooms

• “The "Save Our Schools" legislation would provide indexes per pupil funding to inflation and provide grants to students enrolled in teacher prep programs.”