In my opinion, this program is a disaster waiting to happen.
Firstly, several states that are already utilizing similar programs are way over budget. According to the National Coalition for Public Education, Wisconsin is at 120 percent, Louisiana at 153 percent, Ohio at 414 percent, Florida at 519 percent in year 1, Indiana at 810 percent, Georgia at 891 percent, and Arizona at a staggering 1,346 percent. This is a clear indication that such programs are not sustainable in the long run.
Secondly, I have not seen any clear plan on how the cost of this program will be covered once it is rolled out to the masses. Additionally, there is no verbiage about assisting mental or physical disabilities, as well as nothing about discrimination.
Furthermore, studies conducted by the Economic Policy Institute have shown that voucher students performed worse than their peers going to schools in the traditional sense. Even in the two test counties in Tennessee, the scores were nothing to make us think this bill should be passed at the current moment.
In conclusion, I am not a fan of this program at all, and we should not rush to pass it without considering all the facts and potential consequences. I urge you to carefully review all available data before making any decisions. If anyone disagrees, I would like to know where I can find information to speak to the contrary.
Christopher Cooper