Alabama lawmakers are pushing for a school voucher-like program that would provide eligible families with state funds to help with the cost of private school or home education.
The Alabama House of Representatives passed the proposal 69-34 on Tuesday, and it now moves to the Alabama Senate. Six Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the bill. The bill comes as Republicans in many states are debating voucher proposals under the banner of expanding school choice.
The proposal, sponsored by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and dubbed the CHOOSE Act, would allow eligible families to pay up to $7,000 for private school tuition, tutoring, or the cost of transferring to another public school. It makes the state budget available. Parents can also receive up to $2,000 for home education expenses.
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The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Danny Garrett, told lawmakers, “The CHOOSE Act provides students with the opportunity to learn and grow in an environment that best meets their needs. There is a possibility that it will become a public school.”
Alabama lawmakers are pushing ahead with a voucher program that would allow eligible families to use state funds to send their children to private schools, pay for tutors or transfer them to another public school based on need. are doing. (St. Petersburg)
The first 500 slots will be reserved for families of students with disabilities. Eligibility will initially be limited to households with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, or about $77,460 for a family of three. Income limits will be lifted in 2027, but low-income households and households with students with disabilities will receive priority funding.
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Democrats expressed concern about the use of public funds for private schools.
“How can we make public education better if we continue to move away from it?” asked Democratic Rep. Barbara Drummond of Mobile.
Some Democrats questioned the economic sustainability of the program and whether it was intended as a mechanism for white families to leave public schools.
“If you’re passing legislation to benefit only a few people, that’s not fiscal responsibility,” said Rep. Juandalyn Givan, D-Birmingham.
