The House Education Committee voted to approve the Gator Scholarship Program, which lets parents use taxpayer money for private schools, but some worry it could take money from public schools and cost up to $500 million.
House Education Committee Approves Gator Scholarship Program – Allowing Parents to Use Taxpayer Money for Private Schools Despite Concerns from Education Leaders
According to the published article of Audacy, the House Education Committee voted eight to four to approve a new program called the Gator Scholarship Program. This Gator Scholarship Program could let parents use taxpayer money to pay for private schools no matter how much money they make. Senator Rick Edmonds who proposed thinks people should have more choices in education, especially with the tax money they pay.
Even though some people support the Gator Scholarship Program, State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley worries about it. They think it might take money away from public schools which could hurt teachers and students. Larry Carter, who leads the Louisiana Federation of Teachers shares these concerns and says the Gator Scholarship Program might not have enough rules to make sure the money is used properly.
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Cost Concerns Loom as Gator Scholarship Program Nears Approval – Despite Assurances of Fiscal Responsibility
Furthermore, the Gator Scholarship Program is close to becoming a law but there are still worries about how much it will cost. Some say it could be as much as $500 million, which is a lot of money. Edmonds says they’ve put rules in place to make sure they don’t spend more money than they have. He thinks it’s important to use taxpayer money wisely and make sure it helps everyone.