Democratic candidate backs bill limiting school choice for MPS students

State Rep. Francesca Hong, a rising Democratic candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race, supports legislation that would block tax credit increases for school choice programs, potentially affecting nearly half of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students who attend choice schools.[1][5] The bill aims to limit expansions amid surging property taxes and MPS budget shortfalls, drawing criticism as ideologically motivated despite widespread calls for district accountability.[2][10] Hong, polling strongly among young and liberal voters, has opposed similar measures boosting private school funding.[5][11]

This stance comes as MPS grapples with financial pressures, approving a $1.6 billion budget for 2025-26 that raises the district's tax levy by 2.95%—about $8 per $100,000 of assessed value—despite added state aid from a recent referendum.[2][4][6] Statewide, school property taxes are surging to decade-high levels, up $476 million to $6.58 billion, fueled by revenue limits and growth in voucher programs that divert public funds.[10] Hong's position echoes Democratic concerns that such expansions exacerbate segregation and strain traditional public schools.[11]

For Milwaukee families, this debate hits home as property tax hikes squeeze budgets while MPS faces deficits and enrollment drops to choice options.[2][10] Limiting credits could push more students back to MPS, raising accountability questions but risking higher taxes without performance gains.[1]

The bill's fate remains unclear, with the Wisconsin State Legislature weighing votes amid the heated governor's race.[3][9]