Rejecting Education Funding
I was incredibly disappointed in the Governor’s veto of AB 602 this week, which would have opted the state into a newly established federal scholarship tax credit. Governor Evers labeled the credit as “catastrophic” for public schools, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that the credit would stimulate donations for educational aids for all students at no cost to Wisconsin. Individuals could donate up to $1,700 for educational aids and receive full reimbursement from the federal government. These scholarships could cover tutoring, technology, therapies, transportation, and other extracurricular expenses across all types of schooling. This valuable opportunity would have unlocked a new federal funding stream by allowing more philanthropy dollars to be allocated to education in Wisconsin, again at no cost to the state.
One group planned to utilize the credit to hire reading and math specialists, including 100 reading tutors to support their local public school district, where currently only 9% of 4th graders and 15% of 8th graders are reading proficiently. Their worthy proposal now lies dormant after the Governor’s decision. Rejecting federal education dollars solely because families could determine how to utilize them is irresponsible and irrational. This program did not divert funding from public schools, and it would not cost the state a dime. Families in public schools would use these resources for tutoring, before and after-school programs, athletic programs, or other extracurricular activities that come at a cost. Instead, Wisconsin families are ineligible to receive these federal resources.
Beginning in 2027, Wisconsin taxpayers will still be able to claim the federal tax credit by donating to scholarship organizations in other states that opted into the federal program. As a result of this veto, children in Wisconsin are simply prohibited from benefiting from these resources. Another democratic governor called opting in a “no-brainer,” and I am deeply disappointed that Governor Evers senselessly chose to disadvantage our Wisconsin students.
Overlooking Concerns
Assembly Bill 614, the “Teacher’s Bill of Rights,” was also vetoed this week. The legislation would have strengthened teachers’ authority to manage their classrooms by clarifying and reinforcing their ability to remove disruptive or violent students. The bill modified reentry into the classroom by requiring clear procedures so students are not simply returned to a classroom without a plan to address their underlying behavior. Notably, the bill maintained compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to avoid unjust harm to students with disabilities.
These changes are necessary to ensure legal clarity for order in the classroom. State law is too vague about what teachers can do when major disruptions occur. This bill explicitly authorizes them to maintain order, enforce rules, call 911 in emergencies, and request immediate assistance during violent or unsafe incidents. As the state faces declining academic achievement and expresses a need for teachers, this veto ignores documented frustrations from educators regarding classroom behavior and a lack of administrative support.
Teachers commonly report safety and discipline as one of their greatest concerns, and students struggle to learn in environments marked by persistent disruption. Instructional time should not have to be consumed by consistently managing disruptive and violent behavior. Students, teachers, and parents should expect manageable and orderly learning conditions. This bill provided the necessary tools and accountability to improve our classroom environments. Unfortunately, this veto missed an opportunity to benefit students and teachers.
Honoring Holy Week
I wish everyone a blessed Good Friday and a Happy Easter! Let us take a moment for solemn reflection this Good Friday and remember the inspiring selflessness that we should aspire to emulate. I hope you enjoy a pleasant Easter Sunday with family and friends, and recognize the hope and renewal that comes with the Resurrection.
Spring Election Day
Wisconsin’s Spring election day is next week, Tuesday, April 7th. The final day for early voting is Friday, April 3rd. Your ballot will include one statewide office: Justice of the State Supreme Court, along with other local races in your community. You can still register to vote at your polling location on Election Day, Tuesday, April 7th. Find your polling location and a sample ballot here: https://myvote.wi.gov/
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
