Funding Education Responsibly

This letter to the editor, by Laurie Harmon, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on March 6, 2025.

My property taxes went up, and I bet yours did, too. I also bet that neither of us is happy about the increase. Despite my concern for rising property taxes, however, I’m still voting in favor of the Hudson School District’s referendum in April. Why? Simple. My community, Hudson students and schools, should not suffer the consequences of the state withholding funds rightfully designated for Wisconsin schools.

First, 45% of my state taxes are supposed to fund education, but for the last 15 years, the state has not increased school monies to combat inflation. Shockingly, most schools are receiving funding based on 15-year-old budget models. 

Could you run your household today on your salary from 15 years ago? Likely not. For example, consider that 15 years ago, eggs were roughly 233% cheaper (1.50/dz vs. 5.00/dz). Costs such as rent (80% higher), electricity (42% higher), and bread (76% higher) continue to rise. 

Our homes and our businesses cost more to maintain. Why wouldn’t we expect increases in our schools? Building updates, technology updates, supply costs, staffing updates, food costs, are all vital parts of a school’s budget. Additionally, public schools must comply with costly state and federal mandates requiring services for all students, including special education programs. 

We shouldn’t be surprised that in November, 138 other districts in Wisconsin asked their local communities for support. We should be outraged, however, that the state has been withholding funds to public schools for the last 15 years and is currently sitting on a budget surplus of $4.5 billion. 

This spring Wisconsin residents get another chance to fix the problem. Over 90 school districts are again asking for what is rightfully theirs, a collective total of $1.8 billion.

Please join me April 1 and vote YES for Hudson schools and for lawmakers who will use our tax dollars as intended. Then contact your legislator, and tell them to release rightful funds to school districts. No one wants to ask for money, especially money that already belongs to them.