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Bill

SB 61

Relating to: excluding expenditures funded by referenda from shared costs for the purpose of determining equalization aid for school districts. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julian Bradley and 1 co-sponsor

Bill excludes referendum-funded school expenses from equalization aid calculations, potentially increasing state aid to districts that pass local referenda while reducing funding redistribution to lower-wealth schools.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 61

Legislative bill overview

SB 61 would exclude expenditures funded by local referenda from the calculation of "shared costs" used to determine equalization aid distributions to Wisconsin school districts. This means schools that pass local referenda for funding would not have those referendum-funded expenses counted when the state calculates how much equalization aid they receive.

Why is this important

School equalization aid is designed to help lower-wealth districts reach adequate funding levels. By excluding referendum-funded expenses from shared cost calculations, this bill could alter how state aid is distributed among districts—potentially increasing aid to referendum-rich districts while reducing it elsewhere. This directly affects educational resource equity across wealthy and less-wealthy communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Districts with affluent populations more likely to pass referenda could receive both higher local funding AND higher equalization aid, potentially widening rather than narrowing funding gaps
  • State budget impact: Changing equalization aid formulas has significant fiscal consequences; the fiscal estimate received suggests meaningful budget implications
  • Referendum incentives: The bill could incentivize wealthy districts to use referenda while potentially discouraging lower-wealth districts that struggle to pass them

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

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