Your Cup of Joe

Hello and welcome back to my bi-weekly newsletter! It has been a busy two weeks, and I have a lot to update you on.

On June 12th, advocates from the Learn in My Schools campaign came to the capitol to spread awareness on the value of a 60% sum sufficient special education reimbursement rate. I found their stories to be incredibly moving, and I hope some of my colleagues were given a better understanding of how important it is to pass a budget with meaningful investment in special education. I applaud everyone involved in the planning and execution of this event, and thank them for their willingness to share their stories with us.  

The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met on June 12th for an executive session. I was deeply saddened to see JFC Republicans only brought the special education reimbursement rate up to 35% in 2025-2026 and 37.5% in 2026-2027 when JFC Democrats recommended 60%. JFC Republicans also included no increase to general school aid and had no mention of early literacy funding in the same motion when JFC Democrats recommended $1.1 billion for general school aid and $80 million for early literacy. Without a 60% special education reimbursement rate and funding that gives schools better resources, Wisconsin’s schools will continue to be neglected and local property taxpayers will have to cover the costs. I was also disheartened to see JFC only provide $8.2 million for general aid to the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), falling short of the Governor’s proposal of $45 million. Adequate funding for the WTCS is vital for ensuring it can strengthen Wisconsin’s workforce by providing high-quality education and training that aligns with the needs of local communities. I remain hopeful the JFC will begin to prioritize the needs of Wisconsin's citizens by making decisions that reflect the priorities of the people we serve. 

The Joint Finance Committee was scheduled to meet again yesterday, June 19th, but cancelled last minute. Below is the statement from Democrats on JFC after the cancelation.

On Wednesday, the Assembly was in session to cover a variety of bills and resolutions. One of the most notable bills on the schedule was Assembly Bill 257, a bill created to raise the quality of care our advanced practice registered nurses can administer, while maintaining high standards of care and protections for patients. After almost 15 years of hard work and collaboration to create the best legislation for APRNs and patients, Assembly Bill 257 passed the Assembly with bipartisan support. This nursing bill proves that when both parties work together, quality programs and initiatives are developed. Through this beneficial legislation, we can give our APRNs the ability and flexibility to do the job we know they can do, and give Wisconsinites the care they deserve.

That’s all for now! Please reach out to my office if we can ever help you in any way. I will be in touch again soon.

Yours in service,

Joe Sheehan

State Representative

26th Assembly District