On Monday, Gov. Evers vetoed legislation that would've created a new federal tax credit scholarship program for K-12 students. This federal program, adopted by 29 states under both Republican and Democrat Governors, allows private donations to fund scholarships for tutoring, transportation, special needs services, and other educational expenses, all without creating a new burden on state taxpayers.

This disappointing veto shuts the door on greater flexibility for families and leaves Wisconsin behind as other states move forward with similar initiatives. Expanding educational options, instead of limiting them, should be a priority, especially since the program delivers additional resources without increasing state spending. This decision is another example of common-sense, parent-focused reforms being blocked due to politics.

Other Disappointing Vetoes

In a recent round of vetoes, Gov. Evers has once again used his veto pen to block legislation that would protect women, families, and our children.

Assembly Bill 100 and 102, the Save Women’s Sports Act, requires all schools in the parental choice program, along with UW institutions, to designate their athletic teams as male or female. This prevents biological males who consider themselves ‘female’ from participating in women’s sports and using their locker rooms. Under the bills, the gender of the athlete is determined by what sex is on the birth certificate when they are born. Men often have a physical advantage over women in competitive sports, and athletes shouldn’t be forced to share a locker room with someone of the opposite sex. The purpose here is to protect females and ensure they have a level playing field in their respective sports.

The governor’s veto of Assembly Bill 103 continues to allow parents to be excluded from significant decisions that are being made while they are at school. This legislation requires school boards to implement policies for a student to change their legal names and pronouns and ensures parents are aware that their child is considering that change. We have seen too many instances where a child changes their gender identity and the parents are completely unaware, preventing parents from supporting and looking out for their kids. Students need parental permission for a variety of different activities at school, and changing their name or gender identity should be part of that list.

Finally, the Governor vetoed Assembly Bill 104, which would have prohibited gender transition medical intervention for minors. Vetoing this bill is dangerous and puts our kids at serious risk of making a permanent, life changing decision they are not prepared to make. The drugs used for gender transition are not FDA approved and doctors do not fully grasp the long-term effects of these drugs or transition surgeries yet. It's important we protect minors while their brains are developing and prevent impulse decisions from being made before they become adults.

Protecting our kids and women’s sports should not be political or controversial. Men do not belong in women’s sports or their locker rooms, and parents should not be cut out of their kids’ lives, especially when it comes to major decisions. These dangerous vetoes hurt women and leave families in the dark.