IN MY OPINION: Adult education is key to strength of our economy

It’s Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, a national observance highlighting the transformative power of these programs. As a long-time educator in this field, I urge our legislators to recognize the critical importance of adult education programs and to ensure continued funding for them in the upcoming 2026 federal budget.

Adult education is a lifeline that strengthens our communities. Each year, thousands of Wisconsinites seek out these programs to earn a GED, improve literacy skills,or gain workforce training that leads to better jobs. They are parents supporting their families, immigrants improving their English and workers upskilling for our changing economy.

These programs, offered in the Wisconsin Technical College System and in many community-based organizations, are essential infrastructure for our economy. Every dollar spent pays off in increased employment, more tax revenue, and reduced public costs. Adult education graduates earn on average $10,000 more a year than those without a high school diploma. Yet federal funding for adult education programs is on the chopping block.

I ask our legislators and all Wisconsinites to stand up for adult education to secure the funding it deserves. We must invest in the potential of every adult learner for the future of our state.