The school choice bill will simply let voters decide if public dollars can be spent on private schools.
The legislature had already approved this, but the state Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional.
House Bill 2 passed the House 65-32. It would let voters decide if the General Assembly could allocate money away from the public school system. It was debated for nearly an hour in the state Senate Friday before they adopted the bill 27 to 8.
But Democrats say funneling public dollars to private schools will hurt public schools and follow a practice of ignoring public education.
Some who voted for it say they are simply voting “I” to let voters decide.
The state Constitution requires 60% of the legislature to approve constitutional amendments.
Since it is an issue submitted to voters, the bill will not be sent to Governor Andy Beshear’s office for his signature.
Voters will decide on adding this language to the Kentucky Constitution:
The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of 12 students outside the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise 13 this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution 14 notwithstanding.
Supporters say the amendment would allow public funds to help pay for students’ attendance at private schools. However, many educators strongly oppose the amendment.
Source: WBKO
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