Live from the State Capitol Tuesday night, Gov. Jim Doyle flexed his muscles and articulated lofty plans in his annual State of the State address. As the keystone of his education platform, Doyle reaffirmed his commitment to the Wisconsin Covenant.
Underlying this and other proposals in his address, Doyle emphasized the importance of bipartisan policy making. When it comes to the Wisconsin Covenant, such bipartisanship is crucial and within reach.
Unlike stereotypical liberal social policies, the Wisconsin Covenant is not a handout. Rather, the covenant offers taxpayers and students alike a contract that promises performance-based rewards. Eighth-grade students who have fiscal need, maintain a B average in high school, complete specific academics and apply for financial aid will receive a financial aid package to attend UW schools.
Doyle first announced the Covenant in his 2006 State of the State address. The plan has solid reasoning, but funding for the Covenant—as well as the proposed $225 million endowment to the UW System—remains unclear. Doyle, the UW System Board of Regents and other groups in support of the Covenant now have a duty to mitigate opposition and deliver.
