Wisconsin: Over $12 million for school mental health programs/SPED incentives

Sept 21, 2017, Urban Milwaukee: More Money for Schools and Lower Property Taxes: Governor Walker Signs 2017-19 State Budget into Law http://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/more-money-for-schools-and-lower-property-taxes-governor-walker-signs-2017-19-state-budget-into-law/ In front of an outstanding crowd of students and staff at Tullar Elementary School in Neenah, Governor Scott Walker today signed the 2017 – 19 state budget into law. The budget lifts K-12 education aid to the highest appropriated levels in state history and keeps Governor Walker’s promise to lower property taxes for the typical home so they will be lower in 2018 than in 2010. “This budget proves you can provide more money for our schools and lower property taxes at the same time,” Governor Walker said. “Our successful economic and fiscal reforms led to a growing economy and better budget outlook. We call this the Reform Dividend, and we are investing this dividend in our priorities.” … New funding for school mental health programs is included in this budget. This includes $6.5 million for school social workers, mental health services, and trauma-informed care training for school staff. $6.1 million is invested into special education incentives. These incentives are geared toward schools that enroll special needs students into postsecondary education training or employment.