District 6 Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) is defending Republican leadership’s approach to K-12 education funding, saying the party has consistently prioritized public schools while ensuring fiscal responsibility. In his latest legislative update, Schultz emphasized that State Supplemental Aid (SSA) for public schools must be set early in the session to help districts meet budgeting deadlines. He notes that education remains the largest single expenditure in the state’s General Fund, followed by Medicaid, leaving limited funds for other government programs. Schultz contrasted the current GOP-led Legislature’s funding approach with Democratic leadership in 2009, where public education received a nominal 0.6 percent increase, and mid-year budget cuts forced a 10 percent reduction in school funding. By comparison, under Republican control, he says SSA funding has increased a combined 71 percent since 2009, and K-12 education now accounts for more than 43 percent of the state’s General Fund. Schultz dismisses criticisms that Republicans underfund education, arguing that GOP leadership has consistently provided stable, sustainable funding while avoiding drastic mid-year cuts. He also highlighted additional funding for transportation equity, teacher salary supplements, and per-pupil cost adjustments, which often benefit smaller, rural districts. Schultz says, “Our public schools are capturing a larger percentage of our General Fund every year. The Republican majorities have supported public schools in ways and at levels that Democrats will never match. It would be impossible because previous experience from my first two years shows that Democrat majorities and governors spend every available dollar every year, and that leads to mid-year cuts to schools when there is a bump in the road.” Schultz is scheduled to appear this weekend at the Carroll Chamber of Commerce’s Feb. 22 Legislative Forum at 10 a.m. in the Breda Shelter House.
