A vote on the state budget is expected tomorrow. And let’s be clear: while Democrats fought hard to blunt the worst of Republican attacks, this final deal still falls far short of what Wisconsin families need and deserve.

This budget leaves public schools without a single new dollar in state aid — even as districts are forced into referenda just to survive. It offers a short-term fix for child care but no long-term stability for working parents and providers. Worse, the child care agreement adopts harmful policies like increasing staff-to-child ratios and lowering qualifications for assistant teachers — changes that weaken quality and hurt both workers and families.

Yes, special education reimbursement increases to 45%, but that still doesn’t meet the threshold districts need to ensure all students get the services they deserve — not the 60% Governor Evers pushed for, not even close to the 90% private schools receive. And no new investment means continued pressure on classroom budgets, staff, and local taxpayers.

Let’s be honest: this budget provides political cover for Republicans in tough districts. Why would Democrats give them the power to pass a Republican budget?

If Democrats vote yes, they’re not just endorsing a compromise — they’re giving the GOP bipartisan credibility for a deal that fails working families. They’re letting Republicans write the headline and spin the story.

We’ve seen this play before: Republicans create a crisis, offer crumbs, then claim credit for “saving” the very programs they tried to gut. Meanwhile, communities are left with less than they need — and no one to blame.

This budget may be better than what Republicans originally proposed — but it’s still not good enough.

We urge Democratic lawmakers to vote NO and hold the line.

📞 Call your lawmakers: 608-266-9960

📞 Call the Governor’s Office: 608-266-1212

If 2025 is truly the Year of the Kid — don’t settle. Draw the line. And hold it.