Contact: Rep. Joel Kitchens 608-266-5350

MADISON, Wis. – Both Republicans and Democrats came together during today’s informational hearing of the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding to make final recommendations on how to vastly improve the state’s complex education funding system.
State Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay), who serves as co-chairman of the commission, released the following statement:

“About two years ago we started talking about forming this bi-partisan panel, and since it was established about a year ago, we have held nine public hearings at all corners of the state to receive guidance from education stakeholders on how to best put our children first. Those hearings have resulted in one of the most extensive conversations on school funding we’ve had in Wisconsin in a very long time.

“What we’ve learned is that many school districts across the state are facing the same problems, and the recommendations we made today will help move us in the right direction. One of the common themes we heard is there needs to be more predictability in school funding and revenue limits, and we took the steps today to do just that. We have also put a high priority on addressing declining enrollment, special education categorical aids, mental health services, school safety, early childhood learning and the educator workforce shortage.

“I would like to thank my co-chair, Sen. Luther Olsen, as well as each commission member, for the time commitment they made to improve educational outcomes for our young students. I am extremely pleased that we were able to put our difference aside and work across the aisle to come up with these solutions. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the state Legislature and Governor-Elect Tony Evers to draft legislation on the common-sense fixes to the current funding formula.”

Those who would like more information on the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding should visit http://legis.wisconsin.gov/2017/committees/joint/brc-sf/.

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