Senate May Ignore Part Of Walker’s College Affordability Plan

A piece of Gov. Scott Walker’s college affordability plan may be on thin ice.

The plan, which is estimated to cost about $5 million, would lift the state’s $2,500 cap on student loan interest deductions. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told a Madison TV station on Friday the bill’s cost might mean it won’t get called for a vote this legislative session.

Last month, Walker and legislative leaders set a $20 million cap for new spending in the final weeks of lawmaking.

The deductions proposal is the most expensive part of the governor’s college affordability package. Fitzgerald indicated other bills in the package would be called for votes. All of the bills passed the Assembly last month.

Walker has frequently touted the high-profile bundle of proposals, including in his State of the State address. The package includes need-based and emergency grants for technical college students, hiring internship coordinators and requiring schools to update students on annual debt balances.

A Fitzgerald spokeswoman backpedaled the majority leader’s comments later on Friday, saying the roster of bills for next Tuesday’s Senate session is still being finalized.

“We are still in the process of finalizing Tuesday’s Senate calendar and the college affordability proposals are among the measures being considered for scheduling,” said Myranda Tanck.

The Senate is scheduled to return to Madison on March 15 for what are expected to be its final votes of the year.