2001-03 Biennial Budget Issues

Restore inflationary annual per pupil increase (frozen at $220.29).
Increase state reimbursement for summer school (Governor reduces from 40%to 25%).

Delete Governor's recommendation regarding census-based funding for special education.
Adopt Kettl Commission recommendation for the state to pay 100% of low-incidence/high-cost special education expenses, defined as three times the state average by the State Superintendent's task force - about $25,000 - but not funded off the top of the current SPED appropriation. (Oppose Governor's proposal to fund 50% of costs of special education students exceeding $50,000.)
Provide the necessary resources for special education/ESL reimbursement (currently at 37%/18%) to ensure an inflationary increase over the biennium. (Budget drops reimbursement to 33%/17%.)
Make the SAGE program permanent, providing the resources necessary for smaller K-3 classes. (Oppose Governor's proposal to fund SAGE in grades 2-3 only at schools where poverty exceeds 50% and shift SAGE evaluation to Dept. of Administration.)
Ensure accountability for Milwaukee voucher students by requiring that participating students be assessed on all state tests administered to public school students.

Ensure that revenue limit increases match the resources needed to comply with the 3.8% Qualified Economic Offer requirement.
Allow revenue limit latitude for essential fixed costs (utilities, maintenance, technology, transportation).
Allow school districts to levy at least one percent of its total budget without referendum.

Delete Governor's proposed policy changes related to charter schools.
Delete Governor's proposed expansion of the Milwaukee voucher program.
Delete Governor's proposed policy changes related to setting the school calendar.
Delete Governor's proposal to use funds from the dissolution of the WI Advanced Telecommunications Foundation.
Delete Governor's proposed policy changes related to teacher licensure.
Delete Governor's proposed policy changes related to local referenda.