Evers' Veto Locks in Teacher Funding Boost Through 2425

MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers last week invoked his expansive line-item veto authority to enshrine $325 annual per-pupil funding increases for public schools, extending them from the original 2024-25 school years through 2425 — over 400 years into the future[1][6][8]. By striking '20' and the hyphen from '2024-25' in the 2023-25 state budget, Evers transformed a two-year provision into a perpetual guarantee, delivering nearly $1.4 billion in new K-12 spendable revenue[1][7]. The maneuver, detailed in Evers' veto message for 2025 Wisconsin Act 15, aims to shield districts from revenue limit freezes that have forced referendums in places like Milwaukee Public Schools[6][7]. The budget boosts come as Wisconsin grapples with teacher shortages and stagnant pay under Act 10, the 2011 law that capped raises at inflation — currently 2.63% — and ended most collective bargaining[2][4]. In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association remains deadlocked with the district over timing a 2.63% cost-of-living raise, with the union pushing for a July 2026 start and MPS proposing January 2027[4]. Evers, a former state superintendent, has positioned himself as the 'Education Governor,' prioritizing public schools after Act 10's union cuts spurred protests and test score gains but squeezed salaries[2][5]. While the funding extension drew bipartisan budget support initially, Republicans now eye limits on Evers' veto power via LRB-0312, and a Supreme Court challenge looms over the 400-year provision[6]. The Wisconsin Education Association Council warns eliminating the $325 adjustment in SB 389 from 2027-28 would reverse gains[6]. Educators report classroom disruptions exacerbate shortages, with nearly half saying conduct rules are rarely enforced, though Evers recently vetoed a bipartisan 'Teacher Bill of Rights' (AB 614/SB 611) for stronger discipline tools[3]. The funding lifeline offers relief to districts statewide, from rural WEAC strongholds to urban MPS, amid ongoing debates over pay and safety.