2025-2027 K-12 Budget
As we prepare for back to school in the next few weeks, I thought it would be a good time to look at the K12 portion of the 2025-2027 State Budget. Wisconsin has around 2,200 public schools across the state, continues to be a leader in school choice, and has an overall graduation rate of 90%. There are growing concerns about reading proficiency in our schools and the budget addresses this by fully funding literacy grants to the tune of $50 Million. The budget also allocated $500 Million for special education, a growing cost concern for our public schools. Full time open enrollment transfer amounts were increased by $500 per student for the next 2 years, and ensures that the money goes to the school district that is actually teaching the kid. The 2025-2027 Budget is a good step forward towards improving our schools, and making much needed reforms.
New Hampshire State Capitol Visit
Last week after the 2025 NCSL Summit in Boston, my wife and I traveled to New Hampshire and visited the State Capitol in Concord. It’s a beautiful building, but doesn’t compare to Wisconsin’s amazing Capitol!
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State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
