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Dr. Jill Underly provides testimony to Joint Committee on Finance during first "Budget Listening Session"
KAUKAUNA — After her reelection by Wisconsin voters, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly delivered a powerful message about the urgent need for adequate funding for public schools and libraries during testimony today before the Joint Committee on Finance at its first “Budget Listening Session.”
Dr. Underly’s comments come on the heels of the committee’s decision to exclude her from a formal hearing, marking the second consecutive budget cycle she has been sidelined. The biennial state budget process represents an opportunity for Wisconsin to allocate state resources, determine how much money is spent and outline policy directions significantly impacting the future of schools and libraries. Dr. Underly’s testimony highlights the critical concerns over potential cuts to federal funding that Wisconsin schools and libraries rely on.
“As state superintendent, elected by the people just yesterday, I urge the committee to listen to the voices of Wisconsinites - they want investment in public education,” Dr. Underly said. “An unprecedented number of our school districts have been forced to turn to referenda, asking their communities to raise property taxes just to compensate for the state's underfunding. On top of that, the Trump administration’s reckless cuts threaten the critical federal funding that Wisconsin schools depend on.
“Members of this committee, understand that funding our schools is not only the right thing to do – it’s what your neighbors elected us all to do. Investing in our schools is an investment in our communities, our economy, and our future workforce at this pivotal time.”
Dr. Underly’s full written testimony is available on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s website. Many of Dr. Underly’s key priorities were reflected in Gov. Tony Evers’ 2025-27 Executive Budget, including:
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Increasing special education reimbursement: Raising the reimbursement rate to 60 percent and providing sustainable funding to school districts (more information here)
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Universal free school meals: Ensuring no child has to learn on an empty stomach (more information here)
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Youth mental health support: Addressing the challenges faced by Wisconsin’s youth (more information here)
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Supporting the education workforce: Meeting the needs of Wisconsin’s educators and schools (more information here)
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Prioritizing health and wellness: Focusing on student health and well-being (more information here)
For additional information and resources related to the budget proposal, visit the DPI's website.
As the state budget development process continues, uncertainty surrounding federal funding and policy changes threaten the critical resources Wisconsin’s schools and libraries rely on. To track the impact of these changes, the DPI recently launched a webpage that includes interactive maps showing federal funding allocations, localized flyers detailing the impact, and up-to-date information.
Contact: Media.Inquiries@dpi.wi.gov
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