Rep. Bryan Steil
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) led six congressional Wisconsin Republicans in requesting that their home state be permitted to participate in the newly created federal tax credit scholarship program that will provide enhanced educational opportunities for K–12 students.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers stated in a Sept. 4 interview that he would not opt the state into the program, according to an Oct. 16 letter the members sent to Evers.
“Low- and middle-income families deserve access to the same quality educational opportunities as those who are more fortunate,” wrote Rep. Steil and his colleagues. “Denying Wisconsin families educational opportunities for the sake of partisan politics is irresponsible, unfair, and counterproductive to our shared goal of improving educational outcomes for Wisconsin students.”
Evers has said he does not want Wisconsin to participate in the new program because he opposes school choice programs, which he and other opponents think diverts funds and resources from the public school system.
But according to Rep. Steil and his GOP colleagues, under the program any taxpayer may claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations made to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Families with incomes not exceeding 300 percent of their county’s median gross income are eligible for scholarships funded by these donations.
“This structure maximizes participation and increases the potential impact for families across the state,” they wrote, noting that the federal funds may be used for a variety of educational needs, including tuition, school supplies, support services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and transportation.
Opting out will mean denying Wisconsin families access to this assistance, according to their letter.
The program also includes safeguards to ensure accountability and proper use of funds. For example, each SGO must be a federally recognized nonprofit organization that serves at least 10 students across more than one school. SGOs also must verify the income eligibility of participating families, according to the letter.
“To allow Wisconsin’s working families to get these scholarships, you and your administration must opt the state into the program,” wrote Rep. Steil and the members. “Doing so not only strengthens Wisconsin’s already successful school choice program but also extends critical support to students, including those enrolled in public school, who need additional educational assistance.”