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Legislation expanding the school choice program received unanimous approval in a house committee this morning. Right now Students at “failing” public schools can get money from the state to attend a better school. The legislation passed out of committee this morning changes the definition of a failing school to allow more students to qualify for vouchers. State Senator Nancy Deter opposes the legislation because it takes money away from schools that arguable need it the most.

“In a year when we are cutting K-12 by anywhere between three to six percent, it’s probably not a good year to institute any new programs,” said Deter.

The School voucher program has been under fire since its inception in 1999 because it initially allowed students to use the money to attend private schools. In 2006 the Florida Supreme Court said the vouchers couldn’t be used for that purpose. Even though it’s not in practice, this year’s legislation removed the private school language.