New school voucher amendment is unveiled (Jeb Alert!)

[norml]

New school voucher amendment is unveiled

A constitutional amendment that would preserve private school vouchers was approved by a Senate panel.


BY GARY FINEOUT
[e-mail]

TALLAHASSEE - Any child in Florida could be eligible to receive a private school voucher paid for by taxpayers under a wide-reaching constitutional amendment that also would require school districts to spend at least 65 percent of all money they receive in the classroom.

Nearly three months after the Florida Supreme Court struck down the statewide voucher program as unconstitutional, Gov. Jeb Bush and top Republican legislators have unveiled their plan to keep vouchers alive and avoid future lawsuits. The measure cleared a Senate committee on Wednesday on a 5-3 party-line vote, with Democrats unified in opposition.

GUARANTEED VOUCHERS

If approved by both the House and Senate, voters would be asked to approve an amendment that would guarantee vouchers to disabled students, low-income students and any child whose ''parents request alternatives to traditional public education.'' The amendment also would allow the state to send money to religious schools, even though another part of the state Constitution bars aid to religious institutions.

Sen. Daniel Webster, a Winter Garden Republican and sponsor of the measure, acknowledged the amendment is ''broad,'' but said it was needed to ensure that other programs such as the state's fledgling pre-K program, which also utilizes private schools, don't fall victim to legal challenges.

''We think no matter where you go, as long as it's high quality, it's good,'' Webster said.


snip


http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/14218891.htm

[Judi Lynn]

1. This Bush Republican scheme should fail, if there's any justice.

From the article:

Sen. Alex Villalobos, a Miami Republican, said he only voted for the measure on Wednesday as a ''courtesy'' to Webster. Webster said the amendment deserved to be considered by the full Senate since it was Bush's ''No. 1 issue.'' Webster said the language contained in the amendment was prepared by Bush's office.

But the voucher amendment also drew fire from Democrats because it would allow the state to offer vouchers to religious schools, giving the ''Taliban'' the ability to set up a school and receive vouchers, argued Sen. Skip Campbell, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat.
(snip/...)

It seems the _Bushes have been shoving Americans around for decades. Can't wait until they're gone.

http://homepage.mac.com/jholbo/nutwork/images/Bush,%20Jeb.jpg http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,1658,5013257,00.jpg

And this "man" is a governor. Sheesh.

[murielm99]

2. Warn us, can't ya?

It is an awful thing to see that face first thing in the a.m.

[teryang]

3. Jebfraud

this voucher scheme is fraudulent just like the last one. Jeb and his cronies want to tap into state budget big time while playing the christian fundies for fools.

[LizW]

4. Okay, cut out free transportation

Tell parents that Jeb insists they all drive their children to school and home again so the money can be spent "in the classroom". I'm sure they'll love that.

Oh, and also cut all funding for high school football.