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Doyle's 'Covenant' Program Clears Budget Committee
Committee Votes Along Party Lines
UPDATED: 8:09 am CDT June 6,
2007
MADISON, Wis. -- Gov. Jim Doyle's plan to provide eighth-graders who meet certain goals during high school with a college education moved a step closer to reality Tuesday.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe Joint Finance Committee voted 8-8 along party lines kept Doyle's plan in the two-year budget for now. As the plan moves forward, Tuesday's vote is a signal that it could be hung up in the Republican-controlled Assembly.Democrats said the program will inspire more low-income students to go to college and take courses during high school to better prepare themselves for higher education.But Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee said Doyle has failed to spell out the program's cost and benefits for students."What are we really signing on to? What are these kids going to get, and what's it going to cost us?" said Rep. Kitty Rhoades, R-Hudson, who voted against the proposal.More than 1,600 eighth-graders have signed the Wisconsin Covenant pledge since last month, promising to get a B average, stay out of trouble and take college preparatory courses during high school.In exchange, the state has promised them a spot at one of the state's universities or technical colleges and a financial aid package that fits their needs.The Wisconsin Covenant is open to all, but only those that qualify for federal financial aid will see any benefit. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, noted that Indiana pays for a full ride for low-income students."They're able to afford it and it's not a budget breaker, and I think it's just good public policy. I don't know why we can't do it in the same vein," Pocan said.But Rhoades said there are just too many unanswered questions."It doesn't address if all these kids go to school, do we have to build? Where are we going to put them? Do they go to the school of their choice? I have no idea," Rhoades said.A spokesman for the governor said the program's cost depends on how many take advantage but he said the state will have enough money to cover increased financial aid costs.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportThe Joint Finance Committee voted 8-8 along party lines kept Doyle's plan in the two-year budget for now. As the plan moves forward, Tuesday's vote is a signal that it could be hung up in the Republican-controlled Assembly.Democrats said the program will inspire more low-income students to go to college and take courses during high school to better prepare themselves for higher education.But Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee said Doyle has failed to spell out the program's cost and benefits for students."What are we really signing on to? What are these kids going to get, and what's it going to cost us?" said Rep. Kitty Rhoades, R-Hudson, who voted against the proposal.More than 1,600 eighth-graders have signed the Wisconsin Covenant pledge since last month, promising to get a B average, stay out of trouble and take college preparatory courses during high school.In exchange, the state has promised them a spot at one of the state's universities or technical colleges and a financial aid package that fits their needs.The Wisconsin Covenant is open to all, but only those that qualify for federal financial aid will see any benefit. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, noted that Indiana pays for a full ride for low-income students."They're able to afford it and it's not a budget breaker, and I think it's just good public policy. I don't know why we can't do it in the same vein," Pocan said.But Rhoades said there are just too many unanswered questions."It doesn't address if all these kids go to school, do we have to build? Where are we going to put them? Do they go to the school of their choice? I have no idea," Rhoades said.A spokesman for the governor said the program's cost depends on how many take advantage but he said the state will have enough money to cover increased financial aid costs. Previous Stories:
- May 10, 2007: Doyle Helps Students Sign Covenant
Copyright 2007 by Channel 3000. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
