WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AJR 147

Relating to: establishing an annual Education Foundation Day in Wisconsin.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bare and 10 co-sponsors

Creates an annual Education Foundation Day in Wisconsin to publicly recognize and promote the role of education foundations, a ceremonial designation.

Senator Ratcliff added as a cosponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AJR 147

Bill at a Glance

  • Bill: Assembly Joint Resolution 147 (AJR 147)
  • Session: 2025 (Wisconsin)
  • Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
  • Title / Purpose: Relating to establishing an annual Education Foundation Day in Wisconsin
  • Status (as of latest available): Introduced and referred to committee; cosponsored by multiple legislators; later action history notes a Senate action attempt (2026) and cosponsors in both chambers

1) Main Purpose and Intent

AJR 147 seeks to establish a formal recognition in Wisconsin for an annual Education Foundation Day. The resolution would designate a specific day each year to honor and highlight the contributions of education foundations within the state, potentially promoting awareness of charitable and philanthropic activities supporting public education, scholarships, and related educational initiatives.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Designation: Creates an annual observance labeled as Education Foundation Day in Wisconsin.
  • Scope of Observance: While the exact date and activities are not detailed in the summary, such resolutions typically encourage schools, districts, and communities to recognize the role of education foundations and participate in related events.
  • Non-Binding Nature: As a joint resolution, it is typically ceremonial and expresses the sense of the Legislature rather than creating enforceable new programs or appropriations.
  • Sponsors and Support:
    • Primary sponsors in the Assembly include Representatives Hysell, Miresse, Bare, Fitzgerald, Prado, Sheehan, Sinicki, Brown, McCarville, DeSanto, and Clancy.
    • Co-sponsors in the Senate include Senators Keyeski and Spreitzer, with notable cross-chamber support indicated by the action history.
    • The action history mentions that Senator Ratcliff joined as a cosponsor (2026).
  • Cosponsorship: The bill has multiple cosponsors from both chambers, indicating broad legislative interest in recognizing education foundations.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Public Education Community: School districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions may participate in Education Foundation Day activities.
  • Education Foundations and nonprofits: Foundations supporting K-12 and higher education initiatives could use the designation to promote funding drives, awareness campaigns, and community partnerships.
  • General Public and Students: The observance could provide opportunities for students and families to learn about the role of philanthropic support in education.
  • Legislative/Statewide Messaging: The designation would create a formal recurring moment for statewide recognition of education foundations’ contributions.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced in March 2026 and referred to the Committee on Rules.
  • Cosponsorship Activity: Active cosponsorship in both chambers signals potential for passage, though no fiscal or regulatory changes are tied to the measure.
  • Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would require passage through the appropriate chamber(s) and, given its nature as a concurrent resolution (or joint resolution), would typically not require a signature from the governor or create new law or appropriation. It would instead become a symbolic recognition of Education Foundation Day.

5) Additional Context

  • Formal Recognition vs. Policy Change: AJR 147 is primarily a ceremonial designation rather than substantive policy or funding. Its impact lies in public recognition, school and community participation, and potential promotional use by education foundations.
  • Public Engagement: Observance days often serve to encourage volunteerism, donations, scholarship awareness, and partnerships between communities and schools.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on potential fiscal or educational program implications if the bill were amended to include specific activities or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.