(The Center Square) – Wisconsin Republican lawmakers intend to push a bill to require Wisconsin to opt in to a new federal school choice tax credit.
But Gov. Tony Evers has said that he does not intend to allow the state to join the program.
Assembly Republicans and Rep. Jessie Rodriguez, R-Oak Creek, said that the bill was coming during a Tuesday afternoon news conference on the group’s plans for education bills this session. Soon after, Evers indicated that he does not plan to opt in to the program, which allows a 100% tax credit for anyone who donates up to $1,700 to a school choice scholarship granting organization.
“It’s unfortunate the Governor does not intend to opt Wisconsin into the new federal school choice tax credit, which would give dollar-for-dollar tax credits to people who donate to organizations that award scholarships for students in private and public schools,” Rodriguez said.
Governors and legislators across the country have debated whether to opt in after the tax credit was created through a federal reconciliation bill, with debates in neighboring Illinois and across the country. The tax credit is set to begin in 2027.
“The governor is hurting all students in Wisconsin by refusing to opt into this tax credit,” Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty Research Director Will Flanders wrote. “This is why Wisconsin continues to fall behind other states who are more than willing to think outside the box when it comes to educating their students.”
Flanders took part in Tuesday’s news conference. Rodriguez said that, if Wisconsin fails to opt in for the tax credit, it will allow donors in other states to benefit from Wisconsin tax dollars while state residents cannot.
She asked that Evers reconsider his decision, which she said has no cost to Wisconsin taxpayers.
“I fear the Governor may not understand the policy too well,” Rodriguez said. “He claims that opting our state in would be ‘catastrophic’ to public schools, but the federal tax credit can benefit students in private and public schools alike. This program isn’t about one type of school. It helps public, private, charter, and homeschool families access the tools their kids need to succeed. These scholarships can be used for tutoring, transportation, or supplemental courses that directly support children in the classroom.”
