MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Tony Evers said Tuesday he will not opt Wisconsin into a new federal tax-credit scholarship program, a move that immediately drew criticism from Republicans who want the state to participate.
Evers told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tuesday he would not sign Wisconsin onto the program, calling it “catastrophic” for public schools.
Just an hour earlier, Rep. Jessie Rodriguez (R-Oak Creek) announced plans to introduce a bill requiring Wisconsin to join. Rodriguez said in a statement, “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 thinks the Governor is confused.
“I fear the Governor may not understand the policy too well. 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,” she said. “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.”
The federal program allows individuals to receive a 100% tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations, which then distribute scholarships for tuition, tutoring, transportation, internet access, therapies, and other education-related expenses. Eligibility extends to families earning up to 300% of area median income, a broader threshold than many existing Wisconsin choice programs, according to a report by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL).
Rodriguez emphasized that the program “comes at no cost to Wisconsin taxpayers” and urged Evers to reconsider. “This is a chance to bring more resources into our classrooms — public, private, rural, and urban — to help our children succeed,” she said.
WILL has pushed for Wisconsin to opt in, arguing the program expands resources without burdening state finances. “This opportunity comes at no cost to Wisconsin taxpayers,” Rodriguez said in her statement, echoing the group’s position.
Evers’ office has not released additional details on his decision beyond his remarks to the Journal Sentinel.
Originally published 3:15pm Tuesday, September 9, 2025
