Public schools are the backbone of our communities. They serve every child — regardless of income, ability, or zip code. But a new federal program tucked into the "Big Beautiful Bill" threatens to siphon money away from the public schools that millions of families depend on.

The Educational Choice for Children Act, which takes effect in 2027, creates a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for people who donate to private scholarship organizations. Those organizations then decide which students receive private school funding. The problem? According to Rep. Mark Pocan, 75 percent of people benefiting from this program already attend the schools receiving the donations. That means this isn't opening new doors for kids who need help — it's handing a tax break to wealthy donors and families already enrolled in private schools.

Public school students — especially those in rural areas and students with disabilities — will be left holding the bill. When federal and state dollars follow wealthy families to private schools, what's left behind funds crumbling buildings, overcrowded classrooms, and fewer services for the kids who need them most. As Rep. Gwen Moore said, Wisconsin has seen this play out before: "Voucher schemes even worsened segregation in our schools."

Wisconsin's Governor Tony Evers already vetoed a state bill that would have locked Wisconsin into this program. But the federal tax credit doesn't require a state opt-in — it's coming regardless.

That's why U.S. Reps. Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan have introduced the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act to repeal the Educational Choice for Children Act before it takes effect.

We're calling on Congress to support this bill and keep public money where it belongs: in public schools that serve all students, not just the ones who can afford private tuition.

Sign this petition to tell Congress: protect our public schools. Pass the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act.