Literacy Funding Tug-of-War: Wisconsin's Superintendent Demands Release of Critical Funds

In a high-stakes battle over education funding, Wisconsin's state superintendent of schools, Jill Underly, is once again calling on the legislature to release $50 million earmarked for a new statewide literacy program. The funds, approved by lawmakers last year, have been in limbo since Governor Tony Evers partially vetoed the plan, leading to a legal showdown that has yet to be resolved.

Unlocking the Potential of Wisconsin's Young Readers

The Literacy Mandate: Transforming Reading Instruction

The new literacy law, known as Act 20, represents a significant shift in Wisconsin's approach to teaching students how to read. The legislation focuses on students in kindergarten through fourth grade, aiming to overhaul the way reading is taught in the state's schools. The program, which was supposed to be implemented this school year, is designed to provide critical support to districts with the greatest early literacy needs, ensuring that all children in Wisconsin have the opportunity to become proficient readers.

The Funding Impasse: Lawmakers and Executives at Odds

The $50 million in literacy funding has been a point of contention between the state's legislative and executive branches. Republican lawmakers approved the funding last year, but Governor Evers subsequently vetoed their plan to spend it. This has led to a legal battle, with the governor's partial veto being upheld by a Dane County judge in August. However, the judge refused to immediately release the funds, leaving the money in limbo.

Superintendent Underly's Plea: Releasing the Funds for Wisconsin's Children

Superintendent Underly has been a vocal advocate for the release of the literacy funds, repeatedly calling on the Joint Finance Committee to make the money available to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). In her latest letter to lawmakers, Underly emphasized the critical need for this support, stating that the "children of Wisconsin need this critical support to learn to read, and we need to support the Wisconsin districts with the greatest early literacy needs."

Lawmakers' Concerns: Ensuring Accountability and Alignment

While lawmakers agree on the importance of funding literacy initiatives, they have expressed concerns about the governor's and superintendent's plans for the money. They want to ensure that the funds are spent in a way that aligns with their own priorities and that there is proper oversight and accountability. This has led to the ongoing legal battle and the delay in releasing the $50 million.

The Supreme Court's Role: Defining the Limits of Veto Power

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is currently considering a separate case that could have significant implications for the literacy funding dispute. The court is tasked with ruling on the extent of the governor's veto powers, which could ultimately determine the fate of the $50 million earmarked for the literacy program. Lawmakers and education officials are eagerly awaiting the court's decision, as it could provide clarity on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.

The Urgency of Literacy: Investing in Wisconsin's Future

The battle over the literacy funding highlights the critical importance of ensuring that all children in Wisconsin have access to high-quality reading instruction. Literacy is a fundamental skill that underpins academic success and opens doors to a brighter future. By investing in early literacy programs, the state can help close achievement gaps, empower students, and strengthen the overall educational landscape.As the legal and political wrangling continues, the real losers in this tug-of-war are the students who are waiting for the resources they need to become proficient readers. Superintendent Underly and lawmakers must find a way to put the needs of Wisconsin's children first and unlock the funding necessary to transform the state's approach to literacy education.