Indiana Public Media News
With only minor changes proposed, the voucher expansion will likely be passed
The Indiana Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that allows more students to become eligible for the state's school voucher program.
But public school officials fear the ruling upholding the state's voucher program will lead to an outflow of students, and, therefore, dollars.
The committee changed the bill so students are still required to attend one year of public school before being eligible for a voucher.
An IU education policy director says what happens at a Senate Education Committee meeting Wednesday could be a harbinger for school voucher expansion.
Senate Appropriates Chair Luke Kenley says the expansion makes it harder for public schools to compete.
The legislature considered bills on Sunday alcohol sales and the state's voucher program, while GOP leaders said they would not take up a ban on gay marriage.
Opponents of the voucher program say it is unconstitutional because it provides public funding to religious schools.
More than 9,000 students are taking part in Indiana's voucher program, but the state has allocated enough money for up to 15,000 students.
The Indiana State Teachers Association wants to overturn the state's voucher law, but one analyst says it faces an uphill battle.
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