Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1144

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Grants for students enrolled in teacher education programs, school district revenue limits, the reimbursement rate for special education costs, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

In addition to adjusting revenue limits, AB1144 significantly modifies the reimbursement process for special education costs. Currently, the state reimburses a portion of these costs, but the bill proposes to increase the reimbursement rate to 90% of eligible costs, up from an estimated 33.3% for the 2023-24 school year. This adjustment is expected to ease the financial burden on schools providing special education services and ensure that resources are available for students with disabilities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1144 seeks to amend existing laws concerning education funding in Wisconsin, focusing primarily on revenue limits for school districts and the reimbursement rates for special education. The bill sets a new per pupil revenue adjustment that, starting in the 2024-25 school year, will be based on the per pupil increase from the previous year adjusted for the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide a more flexible funding framework for school districts, allowing them to respond better to changing economic conditions and educational needs.

Contention

Notably, the bill also creates a grant program for students enrolled in teacher education programs aimed at boosting teacher recruitment. Under this program, grants can cover tuition and associated licensing costs, but only if the recipients agree to work in Wisconsin schools for a minimum of four years after graduation. This provision has raised concerns among some legislators about the potential impact on teacher mobility and the effectiveness of tying financial assistance to state employment commitments.