Editorial

Wisconsin faces some very tough decisions regarding its economic future, but it seems that Governor Scott McCallum is committed to preserving educational opportunity for all students in our state.

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The governor will be delivering his "state of the state" address this week. It has been delayed to give the governor more time to deal with the state's economic woes. But when McCallum delivered his budget address on Jan. 22, he vowed to maintain funding for all kindergarten through grade 12 educational programs in the state, including the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

Praise for governor. The governor's message won approval from Wisconsin Catholic Conference (WCC) Executive Director John A. Huebscher: "Governor McCallum's decision to preserve funding for an educational program that serves the neediest among us is a clear demonstration of his commitment to ensuring a brighter future for all Wisconsin residents."

The Parental Choice Program provides enhanced educational opportunities for over 10,000 children, Huebscher noted. "For these children, the Choice Program provides a foundation for a hope-filled future that will pay dividends many times over for our Wisconsin community."

Help for families. Children participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program receive state assistance to attend the school of their choice, including religious and independent schools. Participants come from families with incomes at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level -- about $29,000 annual income for a family of four.

Without help from the Choice Program, it is doubtful most of these families could send their children to the school of their choice. Or if they did, it would place a heavy burden on the families. We have heard about parents working two or three jobs just to send their children to a Catholic school.

Remain firm. There will be plenty of wrangling over money in this time of economic crisis. Yet it is more important than ever that all our children receive a sound education. It is the foundation upon which their future jobs, family, and financial security depend.

We thank Governor McCallum and urge Wisconsin legislators to remain firm in their commitment to quality education and support for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program.

Mary C. Uhler, editor