As we near the beginning of school, families and students are trying to squeeze every last ounce out of summer. While the end of summer signals that days at the beach and backyard BBQ’s are coming to an end, it also means that back-to-school shopping is in full swing. Unfortunately, inflation continues to make it more expensive for Wisconsin’s hard-working families to afford school supplies and other school essentials.
Each year, the National Retail Federation conducts a survey to see how American families will shop for items for the next school year and to determine how much these items will cost. Due to inflation, getting your kids ready for school this year is going to cost the average household 25% more than it did in 2019. In 2024, the survey estimated that American families will spend more than $38.8 billion on back-to-school shopping for K-12 students. That is nearly $875 per household. In 2019, the average amount spent on back-to-school shopping was just under $700 per household.
According to the survey, since 2019 spending on basic school supplies has increased 20% to $142 per household. This category includes basic items such as pens, pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. Spending on shoes has increased 25% to $170 per household. Spending on clothes is up about 5% and spending on electronics has increased a whopping 52%. Families are now spending an average of $310 on the electronics needed for going back-to-school. Inflation is hurting families across the board.
These additional back-to-school costs are more of the same inflation that Wisconsinites are already feeling when they purchase groceries, fill up the gas tank, or take a family vacation. I have consistently fought to control spending and lower taxes so you can keep more of your hard-earned money.
I hope everyone enjoys the last precious days of summer. As we head into a new school year I want to make sure to take time to thank our teachers, support staff, school board members, and district officials for their continued dedication to educating our future generations.
As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol — 608-266-0703 — or email me — Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.
In the 17th Senate District
● Sen. Marklein volunteered at the Grant County Farm Bureau food stand at the Grant County Fair on August 17, 2024.
● Sen. Marklein was “hired” by Klondike Cheese Company in Monroe for a Hire Howard visit on August 19, 2024. Luke Buholzer (Right) taught Sen. Marklein how to prepare cheese for packaging. Stay tuned for more about my experience in my e-update next week!
● Sen. Marklein attended the groundbreaking for the new Crawford County Justice Center in Prairie du Chien on August 20, 2024. The new Justice Center will increase the capacity of the Crawford County Jail and allow all of its operations to be housed on one campus. Kraemer Brothers, located in Plain, is building the new Justice Center.
● Sen. Marklein visited with Bob Moses, President of the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce, in Prairie du Chien on August 20, 2024.
● Sen. Marklein attended the Friends of Villa Louis Summer Picnic at the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport in Prairie du Chien on August 20, 2024.
● Sen. Marklein spoke at the Green County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Albany on August 21, 2024.
17th Senate District Open Enrollment
The table displays data related to open enrollment for public schools in the 17th Senate District for the 2022-23 school year. The open enrollment program is an inter-district program that allows parents to enroll their children in a public school district other than the one in which they reside. Both school districts must agree to the move.
— Sen. Howard Marklein represents Wisconsin’s 17th Senate District. He can be reached at 608-266-0703 or email Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov.
