COLUMBUS — A measure introduced in the Statehouse by a pair of GOP House lawmakers have provided testimony for a measure that would make any Ohio schoolchild eligible for the state voucher program.
Ohio’s voucher program is currently targeted toward children enrolled in underperforming schools, but the so-called “backpack bill” sponsored by Reps. Marilyn John (R-Shelby) and Riordan McClain (R-Sandusky), would allow any child to use vouchers to cover part of the cost of private school tuition or other education opportunities, such as tutoring.
The bill discussed Tuesday would provide $5,500 per K-8 student and $7,500 per 9-12 student.
Democrats say the proposal amounts to defunding already challenged public schools.
The head of Ohio’s largest teachers union says expanding the voucher program would lead to greater racial inequity in education, bring down student performance and force local schools to rely more heavily on local property taxes for funding.