Wisconsin

Legislature Status

In recess.

Existing Programs:

Parental Choice Program (2013)
Gives vouchers of up to $6,442 to low-income and middle-income students to attend private school. The program is capped at 500 students, and is slated to expand by 1,000 every year.

Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (1990)
Gives vouchers of up to $6,442 (for the 2013-14 school year) to low- and middle-income students in Milwaukee to attend private school.

Racine Parental Choice Program (2011)
Gives vouchers of up to $6,442 (for the 2013-14 school year) to low- and middle-income students in Racine to attend private school.

Pending Legislation:

None.

Summary:

The first school voucher program of its kind – the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, enacted in 1990 – has been expanded over the last two years under the watch of Republican Governor Scott Walker and a Republican-controlled legislature. In 2011, Walker signed an expansion of the Milwaukee program into the city of Racine; in 2013, the state budget included a provision taking the program statewide.

Walker says he wants to eventually get rid of the cap on vouchers. The budget included language that would have eliminated the cap entirely through a loophole when it arrived on Walker’s desk. He vetoed the language, saying that while he does want to get rid of the cap, he doesn't want to do so through a loophole.

Get information on the ALEC education bills introduced in Wisconsin in 2013:

• The Family Education Savings Account Act (SB 111)
• The Special Needs Scholarship Program Act (AB 40)

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