The legislature's Joint Finance (budget writing) committee is holding four hearings across the state to gather public input on the state budget (see below for dates and locations).

Committee members have said how helpful it is to have real people share their stories and illustrate what makes a difference in their lives, and where improvements are needed. Joint Finance Committee hearings are an important opportunity for families to highlight budget proposals for the committee. To see an in-depth summary of the Governor’s budget go to https://familyvoiceswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/State-Budget-Summary-from-Family-Voices-of-WI-.pdf.  

A few key issues for children with disabilities for the Joint Finance Committee http://www.survivalcoalitionwi.org/index.php/budget-priorities/

• END Wait Lists - Ensure that all children eligible for the children’s long-term support program can receive services.  Provide “sum sufficient” funding for all eligible children in the Medicaid budget so that no child with a disability is left waiting for needed supports and services.
• SUPPORT FAMILIES - Support $4.5M for a “no wrong door” or Family Support and Disability Resources to support families including: children's services navigators; disability resource specialists; and advocacy services to help families access and navigate available community resources, programs, and services.
• SPECIAL EDUCATION - Increase state special education reimbursement to local school districts from 24% to 60%.

If you are unable to attend a hearing in person, you can submit your comments on the state budget to: budgetcomments@legis.wisconsin.gov 

Public hearing dates and locations:

Friday April 5th

10 AM to 5 PM

Pontiac Convention Center

2809 North Pontiac Drive

Janesville, WI 53545 

Wednesday April 10th

10 AM to 5 PM

Oak Creek Community Center

8580 South Howell Ave

Oak Creek, WI 53154

Monday April 15th

10 AM to 5 PM

University of Wisconsin River Falls

University Center, Riverview Ballroom #260

500 Wild Rose Avenue

River Falls, WI 54022

Wednesday April 24th

10 AM to 5 PM

University of Wisconsin Green Bay

University Union, Phoenix Rooms

2430 Campus Court

Green Bay, WI 54311