Here in Wisconsin Battle Begins to Protect Vouchers While In D.C. Feds Ramp Up Efforts to Expand Choice Nationwide
When Gov. Evers announces his state budget proposal tonight, which includes a freeze on enrollment in the Wisconsin Parental Choice Programs, he will be greeted at the Capitol by a throng of students and parents from around the state rallying to show support for educational freedom.
It’s just the beginning of Choice supporters’ efforts to remind legislators how important parental choice is to the state’s educational landscape. More such grass roots support is expected in the coming months as the legislature holds hearings across the state on the proposed budget.
Meanwhile, just hours before, across the country in Washington, D.C. federal policy makers were doing their best to boost access to parental choice nationwide.
A federal school choice proposal called the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act was announced today at the US Department of Education by Secretary Betsy DeVos, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Alabama).
The plan proposes a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for donations to state-approved scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), which are eligible 501(c)(3) organizations that grant scholarships to students for educational choice.
It would require states to “opt in” to participate and would give them the authority to designate certain aspects of the program, like which scholarship category is covered, student eligibility and scholarship amounts. The program could also be used to support public schools and their existing students, to open up opportunities at private and charter schools and to support initiatives for technical education and apprenticeships.
The proposal allows for individual contributors to receive up to 10 percent of their gross income in tax credits and for businesses to receive up to 5 percent of their taxable income back, according to the coverage of the proposal by the Associated Press.
During the announcement, DeVos said “A great education shouldn’t be determined by luck, or by address, or by family income.” Read more about the proposal in her USA Today Op Ed.
The proposal will go to the Republican-held Senate for a vote first, and if it passes will move to the Democrat-controlled House. It is expected to encounter fierce opposition there.
Click “Learn More” below to read more about the federal Education Freedom Scholarships.
WCRIS principals can use the WCRIS School Facts to talk to your community about the importance of a parent’s right to choose the best education for their child. Whether you’re a Choice school or not, consider inviting your legislators to visit your school and see the impact you’re having on children’s lives.
