State superintendent sends letter to Joint Committee on Finance on release of report, urges release of $50M to implement Act 20

MADISON — State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly today sent a letter to the chairs of the Joint Committee on Finance regarding a statutorily-required report the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction sent last week. The report is in reference to a statewide literacy coaching program, which the DPI has been unable to implement due to the JCF not releasing nearly the $50 million intended to support 2023 Wisconsin Act 20.

 

“I have repeatedly called for the Joint Committee on Finance to release this funding,” Dr. Underly said in the letter. “I understand you have a concern about the governor’s partial veto, but the clear decision of the circuit court judge in that case has now once again made it clear you have the obligation to provide these funds to DPI. I know we agree that the children of Wisconsin need this critical support to learn to read, and we need to support the Wisconsin districts with the greatest early literacy needs.

 

“Now is the time to keep your promise to Wisconsin families. Now is the time to take action and release the funding. I implore you once again — as Committee Chairs, schedule a vote, and release the $49,672,600 balance. Let’s keep the promise of Act 20 to help every child learn to read.”

 

Dr. Underly’s full letter can be viewed on the DPI’s website.