Sen. Joan Ballweg Voted for “Largest Voucher School Expansion in 30 Years”

Republican incumbent Joan Ballweg is running for reelection in Wisconsin Senate District 14. Sen. Ballweg voted for SB 330, which some have called the “largest voucher school expansion in 30 years.” The bill increased funding for private voucher and independent charter schools. 

Public school advocates, including the Wisconsin Public Education Network (WPEN), opposed the bill, stating “[p]ublic school students and local property taxpayers will pay the price, while private schools that can legally discriminate and pick and choose their students get a blank check from the state...With voucher enrollment caps set to come off entirely in 2 years, this is the most reckless and irresponsible thing Wisconsin could do with its massive surplus, especially when we consider that the nearly 80% of students participating in the statewide voucher program never attended a public school.” 

The Democratic candidate for Wisconsin Senate District 14 is Sarah Keyeski. According to her campaign website, Keyeski says, “I see our rural schools as the cornerstone of our communities and a strong educational system as a critical part of investing in the future of District 14.” She says she supports “increasing state funding to strengthen our public schools and lifting revenue limits.” Keyeski also opposes “using public funds to subsidize private school voucher programs in our state.”

Keyeski has been endorsed by the Wisconsin Education Association Council.