Why so many referendums?

Dear Editor,

At a recent lecture by two professors at Merrimac and Main in Dodgeville,  I learned some eye-opening facts about public school funding.  Among them:

1. The state's portion of school budgets has decreased in the last 20 years from about 55% to about 45%.  Local property taxes have risen to fill that gap.

2. The increase in school funding from the state has been lower than the rate of inflation every year for the past 18 years.

3. Voucher schools are paid a guaranteed rate per voucher student (about $12,000 in 2026).  This money comes out of the state's education money first.  Public schools get what's left.

4. Voucher schools are reimbursed 90% of special education costs, with no accountability for how the money is spent.   Public schools were promised a rate of 42% but actually given only 35%.  They have to account for every penny.

When someone in the audience asked how to change this system that so obviously favors voucher schools,  the answer was:  Change the legislature. Please remember that in November.

Thank you.

Kathie Swanson

Mineral Point, WI