“Education savings accounts literally take money out of our neighborhood public schools and hand it over to subsidize private tuition, with zero accountability,” said Martin. “Politicians who turn their backs on the public schools that provide all children with opportunity in return for campaign contributions from voucher lobbyists had better be ready to look parents in their communities in the eye in the next election and explain why local public schools are cutting teachers and programs, while tax dollars go unaccounted for through private subsidies.”

If lawmakers move forward with creating such a program, it would add another option for Wisconsin parents, who already have a variety of alternatives to their designated public school, including open enrollment to other public schools, voucher-assisted private schools and independent charter schools.

In general, under the subsidies, parents of eligible children — typically students with disabilities, low-income students or those attending schools that don’t meet state education standards — receive several thousand dollars from taxpayers to pay educational expenses.

In the states that have such programs, parents either are issued a debit card that accesses the money or are reimbursed for their expenses.