Introduction to School Voucher Programs
State lawmakers across the U.S. are pushing to use more taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuitions and homeschooling expenses, despite the economic uncertainty. A $1 billion-per-year voucher program in Texas and a longshot push in Congress to expand vouchers nationally are focusing attention on the issue. In states that already have programs to pay private education costs for most students, the expense has quickly gobbled up more of their budgets as revenue growth has slowed or stalled.
Scholarship and Savings Account Costs
Scholarship and savings account costs have risen quickly, with programs expected to cost Florida taxpayers almost $3.9 billion, or about $1 in every $13 from the state’s general revenue fund, in the coming school year. In Arizona, it’s nearly 5% of the general budget. An analysis by The Associated Press found the costs in Iowa, Ohio, and Oklahoma are over 3% of state general spending this year, or are projected to be in the coming budget year.
Expansion of Voucher Programs
Voucher programs are expanding in more states, with Alabama and Louisiana approving programs last year and Tennessee approving a $447 million program this year. A New Hampshire bill raising income limits on an existing program has been moving through the legislature. In Texas, lawmakers sent the governor a bill that would allot more than $10,000 per year for students in accredited private schools, with a cost capped at $1 billion in the 2026-27 school year.
Concerns About Funding
States are required to produce annual spending plans that don’t exceed what they bring in. With pandemic-era federal money mostly phased out, voucher opponents fear the programs will come at the expense of other priorities, including public schools. "Even if they’re being funded by separate revenue sources, it can feel like school choice programs and public schools are competing for the same slice of an increasingly smaller pie," said Page Forrest, who analyzes state finances at the nonpartisan think tank Pew.
Vouchers Draw More Ire When Traditional Funding Lags
In Ohio, under a budget proposed by House Republicans, vouchers would see a bigger funding increase than public schools starting in July 2026. The plan, which was passed this month, also calls for a way for the state to take back some property tax money already collected by school districts. Democratic state Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney said she doesn’t have a problem with vouchers, so long as public schools are fully funded. But she says the budget plan falls short of that.
Conclusion
The expansion of voucher programs in GOP-led states has raised concerns about the impact on public schools and state budgets. While proponents argue that vouchers provide more options for students, opponents fear that they will divert funds away from public schools and exacerbate existing inequalities. As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the long-term effects of these programs on the education system and the economy.
FAQs
- What is a voucher program?
A voucher program is a system in which the government provides funds to students to attend private schools or homeschooling programs. - How much do voucher programs cost?
The cost of voucher programs varies by state, but in some states, such as Florida and Arizona, they can cost billions of dollars per year. - Do voucher programs affect public schools?
Yes, voucher programs can affect public schools by diverting funds away from them and potentially leading to a decrease in resources and funding. - Which states have approved voucher programs?
Several states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas, have approved voucher programs in recent years. - What are the arguments for and against voucher programs?
Proponents argue that voucher programs provide more options for students and improve education outcomes, while opponents argue that they divert funds away from public schools and exacerbate existing inequalities.
