Report: Voucher, charter schools consume $193m in Wisconsin state aid

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A new report shows voucher and charter schools will reduce aid to public schools by nearly $193 million.

Democratic state Rep. Sondy Pope released an analysis Thursday that the Legislative Fiscal Bureau prepared for her. The report shows voucher and charter schools will consume $192.9 million that could have gone to public schools this year.

Voucher schools are private schools where students offset tuition with state subsidies. Charter schools operate outside the state system but receive government funding.

Pope released the report as legislators prepare to begin revising Gov. Tony Evers’ state budget. The plan calls for capping voucher enrollment in 2021 and eliminating an income tax deduction for private school tuition.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald’s spokesman had no immediate comment. Adam King, a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, didn’t immediately respond to an email.