Walker's voucher school expansion comes under fire

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker's plan for removing an enrollment cap on the statewide private school voucher program is being questioned both by longtime critics and supporters of expanding choice schools.

Walker wants to eliminate a 1,000-student enrollment cap. Students from public schools could enter at any time, but private school students could only come in when they are entering kindergarten, first or ninth grades.

The amount of the taxpayer subsidy would be pro-rated and come out of the budget of the public school that's losing the student.

That new calculation is being criticized by choice school advocates who fear it could result in a lower voucher payment than under current law.

Walker told WTMJ radio that it makes sense to having funding follow the student and that his plan is "workable."