Representative Sheehan addresses the increase in property taxes due to state budget choices.
This week saw the distribution of property tax statements in Wisconsin. Representative Joe Sheehan (D-Sheboygan) expressed his concerns. “Earlier this week, property tax notices were issued statewide. Numerous communities have experienced considerable hikes, particularly in the Sheboygan region. The 2025-2027 Biennial State budget did not allocate additional general aid funds for our districts. Consequently, districts throughout the state faced a daunting dilemma: raise property taxes to meet escalating expenses or reduce programs. Many districts have had to resort to both options.
“The state budget did not provide adequate investment for public education. We, as a state, have a responsibility to guarantee that every student has access to the highest quality education possible. With over 30 years of experience in the education sector, I cannot disregard my commitment to this cause. The budget did include an increase in funding for special education reimbursement from the state, which rises to 42% in the 2025-2026 school year and 45% in the 2026-2027 school year. Nonetheless, new forecasts from DPI indicate that due to growing costs associated with providing special education, this funding will only cover 35% of those expenses.
“The outcome is a state budget that fails to adequately support our schools, which is more crucial now than ever. To address this situation, I have put forth two legislative proposals, 2025 Assembly Bill 495 and LRB-5599. AB-495 aims to assist districts in managing the annual revenue limit increases that are now being passed on to property tax bills. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that this measure could potentially reduce property taxes by 4% for the 2025-2026 period and an additional 1.1% for the 2026-2027 period.
“Our second proposal, LRB-5599, would ensure that the special education reimbursement rates of 42% and 45% are maintained for their respective fiscal years as established in the budget. The objective of these two bills is to provide our schools with consistent funding upon which to base their budgets while receiving state support to help minimize property tax increases. This legislation is intended to uphold our commitment to our educational institutions.
“There is no straightforward answer to the issue of school funding. One consensus among the education committee seems to be the necessity for reform in the school funding formula. Next year, AB-495 and LRB-5599 should be afforded a public hearing in the Assembly Committee on Education, and I hope we can discuss them soon.
In the interim, I will persist in proposing and backing legislation that ensures our public schools have the resources required to provide an exceptional education for our students.”
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