Even New York Gov. Kathy Hochul opted into the new federal education opportunity tax credit program. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers refused — and vetoed legislation that would have required Wisconsin to participate earlier this year.
That contrast is hard to ignore.
The federal Educational Choice for Children Act creates tax incentives for charitable donations that fund scholarships and educational services for K-12 students. Families can use that support for private school tuition, tutoring, special education services, homeschooling expenses, and other educational needs. But states must opt in before families can benefit through their governors.
Hochul this week became the second Democratic governor to opt while. Governor Evers, taking a play from the teachers union play book, refused.
Wisconsin Republicans anticipated resistance from the governor and passed legislation that would have automatically enrolled Wisconsin in the program. Evers vetoed the bill, blocking Wisconsin students and families from accessing the same opportunities now available in participating states.
The decision reflects a broader pattern in Wisconsin’s education debate. While parents increasingly demand more flexibility and educational options, Evers stands in the way.
That may satisfy teachers unions and progressive activists, but it leaves many Wisconsin families frustrated.
Parents across the state have spent years dealing with declining academic performance, pandemic learning loss, and growing political fights inside public schools. Many are simply looking for schools and educational programs that fit their children’s needs. The federal tax credit program would have expanded those opportunities, including for public schools.
Instead, Wisconsin families are being told no.
What makes the situation politically damaging for Evers is that this is not coming from a conservative Southern state or a Republican governor. Kathy Hochul governs one of the bluest states in the country. If even New York Democrats are recognizing the demand for educational flexibility, why is Wisconsin’s governor still digging in against it?
Democrats often frame themselves as advocates for working families and economic fairness. But educational opportunity is part of affordability too. Parents who feel trapped in failing or ineffective schools understand that immediately.
By rejecting this federal tax credit program, Evers placed Wisconsin on the sidelines while other states move forward with broader educational access. He also reinforced the growing perception that Wisconsin’s education establishment is more focused on protecting systems than empowering families.
But one thing is clear: when even New York is embracing educational flexibility, Wisconsin’s refusal to do the same becomes much harder to explain.
