K-12 Funding Will Be On Budget Committee Agenda Tuesday

The state Legislature’s budget committee is meeting Tuesday to take up a number of issues, including funding for K-12 education.

In Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed budget, school districts statewide could see $127 million in cuts. Joint Finance Committee Co-chair Rep. John Nygren said the committee will restore funding.

“We’ve got the resources to be able to fund the first-year reduction the governor has in his budget. That’s not even in debate. That’s something that was unanimous in our caucus, that our members wanted to make sure we restored that,” said Nygren.

Nygren said funding for K-12 education will likely increase in the budget’s second year.

The committee is also expected to discuss expanding the statewide school voucher program, Department of Corrections funding, and drug screening and testing for people receiving some public benefits.