Dylan’s Priorities as Wisconsin State Treasurer
Pillar One: Fixing Wisconsin’s Broken School Funding System
Wisconsin’s school funding system is outdated and unfair. For decades, the state has pushed more costs onto local taxpayers, leaving communities dependent on property tax hikes and endless referenda just to keep schools running. It’s time to restore real state investment and give local school boards the authority to fund the schools their communities rely on.
First, we must end revenue limits from the 1990s that lock districts into outdated spending caps. Removing these limits puts decisions back in the hands of locally elected school boards, where voters intended them to be.
Second, we need a fairer state aid formula that’s based on a community’s true ability to pay. Relying heavily on property taxes punishes rural and working-class communities and forces families to vote down referenda they simply can’t afford.
Finally, Wisconsin must fully fund special education. Public schools receive only about 35% reimbursement for special education, while private voucher schools receive nearly 90%. Public schools serve every child, and the state should support them accordingly.
Fixing school funding strengthens every community and ensures every child, no matter their ZIP code, has access to a great public education.
Pillar Two: Strengthening Local Government Communication Through Low-Interest State Loans
Every Wisconsin community deserves clear, accessible communication from its local government. But too often, cities, towns, and counties don’t have the staff or resources they need to proactively reach residents. I’m proposing a new short-term, low-interest loan option through the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands to help local governments modernize how they communicate with the people they serve.
The State Trust Fund Loan Program already helps communities finance essential projects at a stable interest rate. By offering a lower-cost version of these loans specifically for communication and outreach needs, we can help local governments quickly invest in better tools, more capacity, and the staff time required to keep residents informed.
These loans would make it easier for communities to strengthen transparency, accessibility, and public engagement, without placing additional strain on local budgets. When people understand what’s happening in their community, trust grows, participation increases, and government becomes more responsive.
Clear communication isn’t optional. It’s essential to strong, connected communities, and this proposal gives local governments the support they need to deliver it.
Pillar Three: Replacing Predatory Payday Loans with a Fair State Lending Option
Too many Wisconsin families are forced into payday loans with sky-high interest rates, often nearing 700% APR, just to cover basic, immediate expenses. Wisconsin is one of only seven states with no cap on payday loan interest, and it’s trapping people in debt instead of helping them through tough moments.
We can do better.
I’m proposing a new state trust fund that offers fair, low-cost emergency loans to individuals, modeled after the successful trust fund programs we already use to support municipalities and school districts. This fund would offer families a responsible alternative to predatory lenders, keep money in our communities, and help people stay stable during financial emergencies.
To work, the program must be fast, fair, and accessible. With proper staffing and oversight, the state can review applications quickly and get families the help they need, without pushing them into long-term debt.
This is about replacing a predatory system with one that supports Wisconsin families, strengthens local economies, and provides real financial security when people need it most.