Statement on Senate Bills 486 and 349
Last Update: March 12, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Mitchell
414-319-9160School Choice Wisconsin opposes two bills passed by the State Senate today because they impose unnecessary and duplicative regulation on schools that participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) and threaten the legality of this program.
The bills are S.B. 486, which requires state licensure of staff in MPCP, and S.B. 349, which imposes record keeping requirements on MPCP schools.
Under 2005 Act 125, MPCP schools must be accredited within three years by an approved accrediting organization. These organizations require that teachers have college degrees and professional development plans and require that schools meet certain standards for record keeping.
State mandates that add an additional layer of regulation are not necessary and could lead to legal challenges of the program.