(MADISON) State Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) supported key measures passed by the Wisconsin Assembly on Nov. 19 aimed at strengthening long-term stability for school districts and improving access to voting.
People in Wisconsin’s smallest towns would be able to vote early in-person under a bill that passed the Assembly. Rep. Born said rural areas would provide in-person voting opportunities for ten to 20 hours a week during the last two weeks before an election.
“Whether we think (early voting) the best way to do it or not, it’s something the communities have shown they like,” said Born. “So, we’re trying to make it more fair to have that opportunity for everyone, and not just if you happen to live in a big city.”
It was one of a package of bills addressing voting in Wisconsin.
Other bills aim to incentivize Wisconsin school districts to consolidate. School districts all over the state are seeing their enrollments go down. More than two-thirds are struggling with declining enrollment.
“You see some (high schools) that are graduating 50 students, and Kindergarten classes that are 25. That’s eventually going to have quite an impact on your school,” said Born.
One of the bills would give districts that merge a huge temporary boost in state aid. $2,000 per pupil for one year instead of the usual $150.
These bills now advance to the state Senate for consideration.
