The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee amended the pending state budget yesterday to provide several good changes to the Parental Choice Programs. These are expected to be supported by both Houses and signed by the Governor when the budget is acted on in the next several days or weeks.
There are two changes that are of immediate interest to Choice schools:
1) An increase in the voucher amount by $207 for the 2017-18 school year. This brings the K-8 voucher to $7,530 and the high school voucher to $8,176.
The increase is effective for this school year. However, because the budget will not be approved in time for upcoming payments, the first voucher payment of this school year in late September will be based on current voucher amounts.
An adjustment for the increased voucher will be included in future payments later this school year. The DPI will provide details about those adjustments in the coming weeks.
2) An increase in the income limit for the WPCP to 220% of poverty, up from the current 185%. This will not be effective until the 2018-19 school year.
The Committee made several other changes to the Choice programs that will effect future school years. WCRIS will keep you updated as these changes take effect.
Thank you for your support and advocacy throughout this budget cycle. Your involvement has truly made a difference.
