Hughes promises to opt Wisconsin into federal scholarship program

“We need to unlock every resource possible for our children and teachers. When politicians failed to get a deal done for Wisconsin schools, that 80% of Wisconsinites supported, students were the ones left behind,” Hughes said in a statement, “Our responsibility is to pursue every available opportunity that can help Wisconsin children succeed.”

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit would allow people to donate up to $1,700 that could then be used for educational scholarships. Donors would geta tax credit, while children, schools, and education groups could get millions of dollars in scholarships.

Those scholarships could go to public, private and choice schools in the state.

Gov. Tony Evers has refused to opt Wisconsin into the program. He says he doesn't want public money to go to private schools, even though the scholarship money would all come from private donors.

Hughes said she doesn't want to say no to any money that could help students in Wisconsin.

“After the failure to deliver additional school funding this year, Wisconsinites deserve to know where their leaders stand. I stand with students, parents, and teachers who want every available resource working on behalf of Wisconsin children.” Hughes added.

Republican candidate Tom Tiffany also supports the scholarship program. On Tuesday, he supported Hughes' call to join.

"Only 31% of Wisconsin fourth-graders are proficient in reading. The federal scholarship program would have expanded tutoring and after-school opportunities for kids," Tiffany wrote in a post on X. "But @GovEvers said no because of politics. Will any other Democrat candidates for governor support it?"

So far, none of the other Democrat candidates in Wisconsin have said they would opt-in.

Hughes is currently running at the back of the crowded pack of Democrats. The last Marquette Law School Poll showed her with about 1% of the Democrat vote.