After years of relatively slow momentum, school-choice proponents have been marking great strides in recent weeks. Indiana’s House passed a bill offering vouchers to families making up to $60,000 per annum, expanding the state’s program from 200 students to 7,500 in the next year alone, and adding some worthy accountability requirements. In Ohio, the legislature is debating a bill that would create an expansive tax-credit scholarship program. Near the Potomac’s banks, meanwhile, the House has reinstated the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, though the Administration remains implacably opposed and the Senate is iffy. And earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a ruling with far-reaching implications. In a five-to-four vote, the justices upheld an Arizona program that offers tax credits for scholarship donations made to religious schools. All this activity is a fresh reminder: When it comes to promising school-choice options, charters aren’t the only game in town. ( )
“Tax Credits for Religious Schools Survive Challenge,” by Mark Walsh, Education Week, April 4, 2011. “Ohioans rally to cheer Kasich’s voucher plan,” by Jim Provance, Toledo Blade, March 23, 2011. “House votes to restart D.C. school vouchers,” by Sean Lengell, Washington Times, March 30, 2011. “Senate panel introduced to vouchers,” by Niki Kelly, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, April 7, 2011. |