We are very pleased that the Court has decided that the First Amendment permits government to empower parents to select religious and independent schools for their children. The justices correctly recognized that a policy that assists parents without regard to their religious affiliation is not an establishment of religion.

It is also important that this decision be kept in perspective. As we said four years ago when the Wisconsin Supreme Court upheld the voucher program in Milwaukee, parental choice is neither a poison for public education nor a panacea for every child with learning difficulties. It is rather another useful strategy to help parents exercise their rights and responsibilities as the primary educators of their children. School vouchers are yet another way we can make our society and culture more "family friendly" when parents are faced with so many demands on their time and the need to work longer hours outside the home.

The fact that voucher programs are constitutional should in no way diminish our commitment to public schools. Wisconsin is proof that public, religious, and independent schools can coexist and serve all students well. Our state has shown that generous support of public schools, and an adequately funded voucher program are not mutually exclusive commitments. Both should be sustained.

For additional information, contact John Huebscher at (608) 257-0004.