With the threat of a gubernatorial veto looming, the Wisconsin Senate gave final passage last week to a bill that would lift the cap on the number of students who can enroll in the state’s school voucher program in Milwaukee.
The measure, billed as a one-year reprieve, would bump up the current limit from just under 15,000 to 16,500 students.
Gov. James E. Doyle, a Democrat, has vetoed past attempts by the GOP-led legislature to lift the cap on the 14-year-old Milwaukee Parental Choice Program. He has said he will continue to oppose any change in the cap unless legislators agree to more money for the city’s regular public schools.
The Senate approved the bill 18-14 on Feb. 8, with most Republicans voting for it and most Democrats against. It cleared the legislature’s lower chamber late last month. (“Bill to Expand Milwaukee Vouchers May Be Headed for Veto,” Feb. 2, 2005.)
