In a speech to school board members and school administrators in Milwaukee, Gov. Jim Doyle said he will propose "limited exemptions from the caps to ensure safety in schools. I intend to push forward with that," Doyle said, when he introduces his state budget on February 13.

Rep. Spencer Black (D-Madison) will re-introduce his proposal allowing school districts to exceed the state-imposed revenue limits by up to $100 per pupil for safety and security measures. Doyle revealed no specifics about his budget proposal, but if his proposal is similar to what Black has proposed, it could mean about $2.4 million in additional resources for Madison, if the school board voted to exceed the revenue limits.

Modest revenue limit relief is also part of a package of recommendations from the Legislative Council School Aid Formula study committee. The committee, comprised of legislators, school administrators and other public members, will forward a proposal to the Legislature allowing school districts to exceed the revenue limits by about one percent of the statewide average allowable revenue per pupil — an estimated $2.17 million for Madison, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.

Committee chairman, Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon), argued, "The reason for revenue limits is to control state spending. This really gives back some local control." The committee's proposal would require a two-thirds vote of the local school board and would be non-recurring (meaning the vote to exceed the limit would only apply for one year). Assembly Republicans on the study committee, Education Committee chairman Rep. Brett Davis (R-Oregon), Rep. Pat Strachota (R-West Bend) and former Education Committee chairwoman Debi Towns, all spoke in opposition to the proposal.

Committee member UW Prof. Andrew Reschovsky, arguing in favor of the idea said, "This is a small loosening of the law and a step in the right direction." He said keeping the current system in place ensures we are "driving towards average and mediocrity."

The study group advances the recommendations to the full Legislative Council, a 22-member committee comprised of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. It takes 12 votes by the Legislative Council committee to advance study committee recommendations to a bill draft and introduction for legislative consideration.

Call or write the Governor to support these small changes to the revenue limit law in his biennial budget; 266-1212, or http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/contact.asp?locid=19.