Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB997

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Resident undergraduate tuition remission at the University of Wisconsin System for student teachers and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of AB997 could lead to a significant increase in the number of individuals enrolling in teacher preparation programs, thereby bolstering the supply of teachers in Wisconsin. By easing the financial burden associated with student teaching, the bill may incentivize more students to pursue careers in education, particularly in underserved areas where teacher shortages are more prevalent. The appropriations required to fund this program are expected to come from state resources earmarked for educational initiatives, positioning education as a prioritized expenditure in the state's budget.

Summary

Assembly Bill 997 aims to create a tuition remission program for resident undergraduate students enrolled in teaching programs at the University of Wisconsin System. Specifically, the bill stipulates that these students will receive a full remission of their undergraduate tuition during their semester of student teaching. This initiative is intended to support the education sector by alleviating financial barriers for aspiring teachers, encouraging more students to enter the teaching profession, which is often facing a shortage of qualified candidates.

Contention

While supporters of AB997 laud it as a progressive step toward enhancing educational quality and accessibility, potential areas of contention include concerns over the financial implications of the program on the state budget. Critics might argue that the funds allocated for this tuition remission could be better spent on direct classroom resources or on initiatives that address existing gaps in educational outcomes. Debates over the long-term sustainability of such financial aids, especially during economic downturns, may arise as the bill progresses through the legislative process.