Senate committee approves school voucher bill
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
STATE HOUSE BUREAU
TRENTON -- A Senate committee approved legislation today creating scholarships for students to attend private schools during a racous hearing held in front of the Statehouse Annex building.
Hundreds of demonstrators, mostly students from private and charter schools, gathered to rally for the bill. Supporters said it provides students a chance to leave failing public schools, while opponents said it undermines the public school system.
The bill (S1872) could fund $24 million in scholarships for up to 4,000 children the first year. After five years, up to 20,000 children would receive $120 million in scholarships, they said. More money would be set aside for grants to public schools. The funding would come from donations by corporations who would receive tax credits equal to their contributions.
The New Jersey Education Association, the powerful teacher's union, said the bill would drain more money from public schools at a time when Gov. Chris Christie is already slashing $820 million in state aid to school districts.
"Don't participate in the dismantling of our public schools," Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan said. "Don't be a partner in the privatization agenda of this administration."
Hundreds of demonstrators, mostly students from private and charter schools, gathered to rally for the bill. Supporters said it provides students a chance to leave failing public schools, while opponents said it undermines the public school system.
The bill (S1872) could fund $24 million in scholarships for up to 4,000 children the first year. After five years, up to 20,000 children would receive $120 million in scholarships, they said. More money would be set aside for grants to public schools. The funding would come from donations by corporations who would receive tax credits equal to their contributions.
The New Jersey Education Association, the powerful teacher's union, said the bill would drain more money from public schools at a time when Gov. Chris Christie is already slashing $820 million in state aid to school districts.
"Don't participate in the dismantling of our public schools," Secretary-Treasurer Marie Blistan said. "Don't be a partner in the privatization agenda of this administration."
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