Wisconsin Says "NO" to Trump School Voucher Scheme

Privatizers push back on state's voucher resistance

Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Wisconsin’s Governor says the state will not opt-in to a new, federal school voucher scheme passed as part of President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

From Wisconsin Public Radio:

Earlier this month, Gov. Tony Evers announced that he will opt Wisconsin out of a new federal program offering tax credits to people who donate money for some K-12 school scholarships.

Ever persistent, though, the forces of privatization are now raising funds to push back against Evers’ protection of Wisconsin public education.

Milwaukee’s chamber of commerce is hoping to sway Gov. Tony Evers, or the state’s next governor, into joining the nation’s first federal school voucher-style program.

Although the law doesn’t allow tax credit donations for the program until 2027, MMAC’s “Pay it Forward Wisconsin” is accepting pledges to show Evers, or whoever is governor when it’s time to decide, that there’s demand for the program, said Dale Kooyenga, MMAC president and CEO.

Is Your State Likely to Opt-In to Trump's "Big, Ugly Vouchers?"

The bill created a tax incentive program that allows for the funding of a federal school voucher scheme. The funds would be available to families in states that opt-in. So, even if your state doesn’t have a private school coupon plan, you may be able to get a federally-funded coupon.

The total cost to taxpayers of the federal scheme is expected to exceed $20 billion.

Vouchers in many states essentially amount to reverse Robinhood wealth redistribution. Working class families pay into the system, but can’t afford private schools even with the vouchers. Meanwhile, wealthy families take the vouchers and use them as discount coupons for private schools.

Private School Coupons for Wealthy Families Create AZ Budget Shortfall

While special interests and former Gov. Ducey touted vouchers as a way to level the educational playing field, the reality is that Arizona’s ESA vouchers have “primarily only helped the rich.” 12 News shows current data that undeniably proves Arizona’s voucher program is geared towards helping the rich pay for private schools their kids were already attending.