Transcript

Hi, folks. This is your State Senator Jeff Smith, checking in for the Chippewa Valley. 

Public schools week is the perfect time to talk about Governor Evers’ investments in public education in his budget. 

I’m standing next to the display of our state constitution because we have a constitutional obligation in our state to ensure that all of our children have access to a high-quality education. Governor Evers’ 3.1 billion dollar funding increase for our public schools will do just that. 

After all, the main reason we even have a surplus today is because of our State’s chronic underfunding of public schools.

In the Chippewa Valley, and across our state, communities are passing record-breaking referenda to fund our schools. This is not a viable long-term solution because it creates inequality between school districts that pass referendum and those that don't. 

Some public schools in wealthier districts might be able to cover expenses with frequent referenda, like facility improvements, better teacher pay and standard operating costs, but those schools that can’t pass a referendum are left to decide if they can continue to operate. 

Governor Evers says doing what’s best for kids is what’s best for our state. I couldn’t agree more. I want to take a moment this week to personally thank our teachers and administrators for the incredible work they do every day. They are on the frontlines helping our kids succeed and start their lives off in the right direction. 

Education is the foundation of our communities, and a strong investment in our public schools will benefit the future generations of Wisconsin. 

To learn more, check out the link to the budget in brief in the comments section and stay tuned for updates as we continue the budget process. And, most importantly, take a moment to thank your local educators.

This is Senator Jeff Smith signing off for the Chippewa Valley, see you next time.