Lawsuit Filed Challenging Wisconsin’s School Choice Program as Unconstitutional
MINOCQUA, WI – In the most important legal challenge to Wisconsin’s education financing system in decades, concerned citizens, parents, and taxpayers are questioning a system that will have far-reaching consequences for public education in Wisconsin.
“The revenue limit and funding schemes for voucher school programs and independent charter schools violate the Wisconsin Constitution’s Public-Purpose Requirement and the Uniform Taxation Clause,” said Brian Potts, an attorney on the case. “This parasitic funding system is pushing public school districts into an ever worsening financial crisis, which is leading to what can only be described as a funding death spiral for public education.”
At the core of the issue lies the voucher school financing system, which appears to be designed more to harm school districts than to support voucher programs. The impact of this financing scheme has been devastating to Wisconsin’s school districts.
When a student enters the voucher program, their home district loses as much as $14,671 in state equalization aid. Unfortunately, the state only provides districts with anywhere from $0 to $8,000 in equalization aid per public school student. For example, every time one student from the Madison school district obtains funding to go to a private school, the state takes away the entire state aid provided to that school district for five public school students.
Consequently, the loss of students to voucher programs has a financially destructive effect on Wisconsin’s schools. These laws, rather than promoting equitable education, are effectively penalizing public schools and their students.
“The current school financing system not only fails to equitably distribute resources but also threatens the financial stability of public education in Wisconsin,” according to Fred Melms, another attorney on the case. “It’s imperative to address these issues to ensure that all students receive the support they need for a brighter future.”
Also adding to the financial challenges faced by school districts is what’s known as the “revenue limit,” a legally prescribed cap on the amount of revenue that school districts can allocate to fund public education. This cap is imposed on local school districts, irrespective of their unique circumstances, the educational requirements of their students, or the community’s vision for their district, all in violation of the Wisconsin Constitution.
This lawsuit promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding school choice, vouchers, and the future of public education in Wisconsin. The lawsuit is being funded by the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC.
For more information on the lawsuit, please contact either:
- Brian Potts, 608-663-7493, BPotts@perkinscoie.com
- Frederick B. Melms, (715)892-3023, Fbmelmsesq@gmail.com
About Minocqua Brewing Company:
The Minocqua Brewing Company has become a strong progressive voice in Northern Wisconsin, drawing thousands of tourists from across the country to our historic taproom in downtown Minocqua. More information is available at: MinocquaBrewingCompany.com
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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If families and church congregations choose not to fund the religious education of the their children in their schools, why is it all of a sudden the responsibility of the government to do so? When choice students from the outside are enrolled who do not share the faith beliefs of the religious congregation of the school, it undermines the spiritual journey of the other students in the school who are the believers.