While all U.S. taxpayers can make donations and claim the credit, the money can only be disbursed in a state where the Governor has granted permission. Gov. Evers says no, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that joining the federal program would be “catastrophic” for public schools. He added ”We have plenty of voucher schools. We don’t need voucher money.”
Wisconsin parents might disagree. School choice is popular in Wisconsin but the state’s current program is 300% of the federal poverty line in Milwaukee and Racine and 220% in the statewide program. The federal tax credits expand educational resources at no cost to state budgets. Low-income families that keep their children in public schools could see the money used for tutoring or special needs.