Alabama Lawmakers Advance School Voucher-like Program

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Alabama lawmakers have advanced a school voucher-like program, the CHOOSE Act, that would provide eligible families with state dollars to help pay for private school or home school expenses, sparking a debate on the use of public funds for private education.

Key Points

  • The CHOOSE Act would provide up to $7,000 in state dollars for private school tuition, tutoring, or transfer fees
  • Eligibility initially limited to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level
  • Some Democrats express concerns about the impact on public education

Pros

  • Provides families with more educational options
  • Allows students to learn in an environment that best meets their needs
  • Could help students with disabilities access better educational opportunities

Cons

  • Concerns about using public funds for private schools
  • Questions about financial sustainability of the program
  • Debate on whether the program will benefit only a few and if it is intended for white families to leave public schools