Governor Walker’s voucher expansion plan to be discussed

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to expand private school vouchers and freezing public school spending is scheduled to be discussed by the Legislature’s budget committee.

The Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee planned to discuss Walker’s proposal Thursday as part of a series of briefings on the governor’s budget.

The plan has drawn widespread criticism, with Democrats opposing any expansion of vouchers beyond Milwaukee and Racine. Senate Republicans have expressed concerns with how Walker’s plan is structured and are calling for major changes.

Public schools across the state have also spoken out against Walker’s proposal to freeze spending increases for them.

Walker is also wants vouchers for special needs students and creating a new independent board to oversee charter schools.