As the State Capitol Turns
Governor Grants DPI Waiver Authority: On June 30, Gov. Evers signed SB-302,sponsored by Sen. Stroebel (R-Saukville), allowing the DPI to create waivers for the Choice and SNSP programs. This bill is similar to the bills the Governor signed earlier in the Pandemic. WCRIS registered in support of the bill.
Temporary School Voucher Expansion Vetoed: On June 18, Gov. Evers vetoed AB-059, sponsored by Rep. Dittrich (R-Oconomowoc). It would have increased the income eligibility for the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program to 300 percent of the federal poverty level for the 2021-2022 school year, matching the income eligibility of the other parental choice programs. WCRIS registered in support of the bill, urging the increase be effective for all future school years.
Transgender Athletics: On June 16, on a partisan 59-38 vote, the Assembly passed two amended bills that regulate athletic competition on the basis of the participant’s sex discovered at birth. In AB-196, sponsored by Rep. Dittrich, requires separate male, female, and coed teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program.
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) opposed the bill, arguing they already have a process in place to regulate transgendered athletes so competition is fair. WCRIS took no position on the bill and is monitoring the issue.
The bill is awaiting action in the Senate. The Governor has promised to veto it.
Coda to WCRIS v. Heinrich Supreme Court Victory: In a follow-up decision to WCRIS v. Heinrich (6/11/21) earlier this month, the State Supreme Court ruled again in favor of WCRIS schools that the City of Racine Public Health Department did not have the authority to order school closures in response to COVID-19.
Unfortunately, the court did not sanction Racine School District for their recalcitrant behavior. Read more about SCWA v. Bowersox (7/2/21) from the lawyers at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, who won both cases.
