Funding for Highway Maintenance
Winter always serves as a reminder of the need to maintain road improvements and keep our infrastructure safe. The 2025-2027 state budget increased total funding for routine maintenance on Wisconsin’s state highways, adding $11.6M in 2025-26 and $6.8M in 2026-27. This funding helps counties with snow plowing, de-icing, pothole repairs, bridge maintenance, mowing, sign replacement, drainage fixes, and other day-to-day needs on state highways. Every county received an increase, and counties with historically underfunded maintenance needs received additional targeted support.
Funding for the Fourth Assembly District included:
- Brown County
- 2025 allocation: $4.55M
- 2026 allocation: $4.96M
- Total increase: $414,000 or 9.1%
- Oconto County
- 2025 allocation: $1.81M
- 2026 allocation: $1.89M
- Total increase: $87,500 or 4.8%
Overall, the state budget included an annual 3% increase in county and municipal general transportation aids, $100M for Local Roads, $150M for Agricultural Roads, $15M to the Harbor Assistance Program, and $322M for the State Highway Rehabilitation Program. These investments benefit the entire state by supporting our transportation infrastructure for both everyday commuters and interstate commerce.
Continued Need for Improving Literacy
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released results from literacy screenings required under 2023 Act 20. The data revealed that 37% of K-3 students fell below the national 25th percentile for literacy, and more than half of all districts saw the percentage of students below the 25th percentile increase between kindergarten and 3rd grade. These are both red flags displaying the immediate need for improved curriculum and early intervention.
Act 20, known as “The Right to Read Act,” was written and passed last session with ample collaboration to follow proven state models and bolster literacy rates in Wisconsin. Improving educational and post-education outcomes begins with improving literacy through early intervention. The governor, unfortunately, attempted to exceed his authority and turn this science-based reading reform package into a slush fund for the education establishment, but was overruled 7-0 by the State Supreme Court.
The Joint Committee on Finance then allocated all $50 million for the reforms, sending dollars into instructional time to boost literacy rates in Wisconsin. This new data further proves the necessity of this legislation and funding. Although the initial delay in implementing this program is unfortunate, I expect that this results-driven legislation will significantly benefit our students’ success moving forward at a time when it is needed most.
Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting
The 2025 Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place in the rotunda this week. While this is always a special occasion, the tree this year was grown in our own Oconto County and donated by constituents of the fourth, Dave and Mary Vander Velden of Oconto.
The tree, decorated with handmade ornaments from students across the state, now shines in the Capitol as a symbol of Christmas spirit and joy. It is fantastic to have this emblem represented by a piece of Oconto County.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
