Gov. Tony Evers Rejects School Choice Tax Credit Proposal

Governor Tony Evers rejected a proposal to offer tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations, blocking Wisconsin from joining a federal school choice program.

Published April 2, 2026

On Monday, Governor Tony Evers rejected legislation from the Democrats For Education Reform that would grant dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to scholarship granting organizations.

The legislation, initially introduced in 2025, served as the opportunity for Wisconsin to join the federal tax credit for qualifying contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs). The Federal program was started when Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” was passed last July. The program would allow contributors to earn a dollar for dollar tax credit up to $1,700 for donations to these organizations.

However, Governor Tony Evers rejected the legislation on Monday despite being endorsed and encouraged by Democrats for Education Reform. In Evers continued war vs Private schools, he states; “The ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ created the first major federal program to effectively redirect public funds to private school tuition through tax incentives. It is the first-ever federal effort to fund private school scholarships through vouchers the federal government will pay individuals in exchange for donating to organizations that award scholarships to attend private schools.”

It’s disappointing to read today’s news regarding @GovEvers veto of legislation that would’ve opted Wisconsin into a new dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit benefiting ALL K-12 schools – public, private and charter.

⬇️ A few points:
— Dale Kooyenga (@DaleKooyenga) March 30, 2026

Instead of empowering parents’ choice for what they feel is the best education for their child, Governor Evers and the State Congressional Democrats voted against this tax credit. Evers would rather increase Wisconsinites property tax for the next 400-years, even though schools already take up over $6 billion in state taxes, the largest share amongst any levy in the state. (RELATED: Wisconsin Democrats Reintroduce Assisted Suicide Bill Amid Renewed Debate)

“There is a school for every child – but not every family can afford to get their child through the door. This program would have offered that chance.This was a missed opportunity for Wisconsin. It was a rare chance to align fiscal responsibility and tax relief with better outcomes for kids,” said Representative Jessie Rodriguez in a statement. Rodriguez also cited a study that said 73% of likely voters support opting into the program, including two-thirds of Democrats.

In 2027, when this program is set to take effect, Wisconsinites will still be able to claim this tax credit when they donate to organizations like these. However, Governor Evers has prevented Wisconsin students from benefiting from these programs.