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School voucher proposal approved by House

Associated Press
March 30, 2011
Keywords
Education & Workforce Development, Education Finance, Government, Government & Economic Development, K-12, Legislation, Legislature, Private schools, School Vouchers, School funding, State Government, Tuition Costs
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The Indiana House has approved a plan that would create the nation's most expansive school voucher program.

The GOP-led House voted 56-42 on Wednesday in favor of the bill that would use taxpayer money to help some parents move their children from public schools to private schools.

The program is based on an income scale, with families of four making up to about $60,000 a year qualifying. The program would be limited to 7,500 students for the first year and 15,000 in the second year.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said the proposal was aimed at providing more education opportunities for those without such choices today.

Democratic Rep. Matt Pierce of Bloomington argued that the vouchers would take money away from public schools without any evidence of improving education.

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  • Surely the taxpayers are due appropriate oversight.
    JoeMarch 31, 2011 4:08 PM
    Taxpayers expect their money will be used to teach Indiana students designaged curricula and not to proselytize. At the very least, the State should audit the books of the private contractors and audit programs on a current basis.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Be Careful
    B. CoahranMarch 31, 2011 9:44 AM
    The more the government gets involved in private schools, the more the government will assert controls on those schools. Be careful what you ask for.
    cc
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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