JANESVILLE, Wis. — Congressman Bryan Steil and six other Republican members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation are pressing Governor Tony Evers to reverse his decision to block Wisconsin’s participation in a new federal tax credit scholarship program designed to help low- and middle-income families afford educational expenses.

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In a letter sent this week, Steil accused Evers of putting politics ahead of students’ needs. “Low- and middle-income families deserve access to the same quality educational opportunities as those who are more fortunate,” Steil wrote. “Denying Wisconsin families educational opportunities for the sake of partisan politics is irresponsible, unfair, and counterproductive to our shared goal of improving educational outcomes for Wisconsin students.”

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The letter was signed by U.S. Senator Ron Johnson and Representatives Derrick Van Orden, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany, and Tony Wied, all Republicans. Together, the group called on Evers to allow Wisconsin families to participate in the new program, which they say could provide vital assistance for tuition, tutoring, school supplies, and transportation.

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Evers announced in September that Wisconsin would not opt into the program, meaning state residents will be ineligible for the new scholarships. The governor has not issued a detailed public explanation for his decision, though he has long opposed school voucher expansion, arguing it diverts resources from public education.

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The scholarship initiative was included in the Working Families Tax Cut, H.R. 1, which became law on July 4. It provides a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 per taxpayer for donations made to certified Scholarship Granting Organizations. Those organizations would then distribute scholarships to families earning up to 300 percent of their county’s median income.

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Supporters say the measure empowers parents to make the best educational choices for their children, while opponents, including teachers’ unions and some Democratic officials, argue it further erodes support for public schools.

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Under federal law, states must opt in for their residents to qualify. By declining to participate, Evers effectively prevents Wisconsin families from applying for the program. Steil and his colleagues say that decision “denies Wisconsin families access to needed assistance” at a time when many are struggling with rising education costs.

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The full letter from Wisconsin’s congressional Republicans was sent to the governor’s office this week.

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