Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB535

Introduced
10/18/23  
Refer
10/18/23  

Caption

Including with the property tax bill information about state aid reduction to school districts. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB535 will result in property tax bills being accompanied by specific disclosures about state aid reductions, thereby providing homeowners with a clearer understanding of the financial factors affecting their school districts. This measure is expected to foster greater accountability and transparency from school districts regarding their funding sources and fiscal challenges. The bill is particularly significant in the context of ongoing debates about school funding dynamics and the role of private school enrollment in public education financing.

Summary

Assembly Bill 535 (AB535) is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing the transparency of property tax bills by requiring the inclusion of information regarding state aid reductions to school districts. This bill mandates that property tax bills detail any gross reduction in state aid that occurs due to student enrollments in various parental choice programs, including those in Racine and Milwaukee, as well as those funded through the Special Needs Scholarship Program. The intent of this bill is to make property owners more aware of how state funding adjustments impact their local school districts.

Contention

Despite its intention to enhance transparency, AB535 may generate controversy among stakeholders. Supporters argue that informing taxpayers about state aid reductions associated with school choice programs is crucial for fostering significant discussions regarding the impact of these programs on public schools. Critics, however, may view it as an attempt to undermine parental choice initiatives or as a way to shift the burden of state funding onto taxpayers without providing adequate solutions for school districts facing financial shortages. The bill thus navigates sensitive terrain between promoting school choice and ensuring robust public school funding.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB504

Including with the property tax bill information about state aid reduction to school districts. (FE)

WI SB330

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI AB900

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI SB838

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)

WI AB305

Increasing the per pupil payments in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship program and the per pupil payments made to independent charter schools and increasing the revenue ceiling for school districts. (FE)

WI AB688

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments to certain independent charter schools. (FE)

WI AB516

State aid to the resident school district of a pupil attending a private school under the Racine or statewide parental choice program. (FE)

WI SB652

Reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments to certain independent charter schools. (FE)

WI SB503

State aid to the resident school district of a pupil attending a private school under the Racine or statewide parental choice program. (FE)

WI HB186

Regards school district property taxes, school funding formula

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.