Administration Opposes Boehner’s School Voucher Bill
The Obama administration announced its strong opposition Tuesday to a pet project of Speaker John Boehner’s.
The bill, which would expand a school voucher program for elementary and high school students in the District of Columbia, is likely to be the only measure that the Ohio Republican will introduce this year.
The voucher program “has not yielded improved student achievement by its scholarship recipients compared to other students in D.C.,” a statement of administration policy released Tuesday said.
“The Administration opposes the creation or expansion of private school voucher programs that are authorized by this bill,” according to the statement. “The Federal Government should focus its attention and available resources on improving the quality of public schools for all students. Private school vouchers are not an effective way to improve student achievement.”
The school voucher bill is also being pushed by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.). It would increase scholarships to $8,000 for elementary school students and $12,000 for high schoolers, and it is slated for House floor action Wednesday.
